1 August 2002

Biotechnology speeds up animal disease testing

Faster testing for transmissible animal diseases is being achieved through the Department of Primary Industries’ use of highly accurate biotechnology based testing.

DPI Animal and Plant Health Service microbiologist, Dr Bruce Corney said the use of molecular diagnostics, meant a rapid diagnosis of many infectious diseases could be made more quickly allowing a faster response to potential disease outbreaks or epidemics.

“We have embarked on a development program to make best use of available and emerging rapid molecular diagnostics to help reduce the impact of infectious disease on Queensland’s primary industries,” Dr Corney said.

The main molecular diagnostic tool being used is the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which allows specific pathogens to be detected through the presence of their genetic fingerprints.

Dr Corney said because each disease has its own unique fingerprint, diagnosis is highly accurate and available in a shorter time frame.

“Traditional diagnosis of infectious disease involves isolating and identifying the disease agent in culture. The result may take several days to several weeks to obtain, potentially posing the risk of a small outbreak of a disease developing into an epidemic,” Dr Corney said.

“Instead of the days or weeks before a result is ready using standard testing techniques, PCR has the potential to reduce diagnostic turn around times to less than a day. 

“Rapid diagnosis also allows for quick diagnosis between diseases that may present similar symptoms, including common and exotic diseases.”

“This can significantly reduce the risk of a disease spreading, potentially saving of millions of dollars for industry through more rapid diagnosis and containment and is improving the efficiency, economic viability and sustainability of the state’s livestock industries,” Mr Corney said.

Most testing is done on samples provided by vets working in Queensland’s primary industries.

Dr Corney said PCR was being used to diagnose a number of cattle diseases including bovine pestivirus (also known as mucosal disease virus or bovine viral diarrheal virus) and bovine ephemeral fever (also known as three day sickness).

He said the DPI plans to extend the molecular diagnostics program to include diseases of other production animals and wildlife, with a focus on exotic diseases.

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Further information: Dr Bruce Corney Ph (07) 3362 9578
Media Officer: Matt Eliason Ph (07) 3239 3014

Department of Primary Industries Media Unit:
GPO Box 46 Brisbane Qld 4001 Fax (07) 3239 0860
DPI Call Centre 8am-6pm weekdays on local call 13 25 23