The HI method is key to early and accurate detection of Tembusu virus in ducks

Over 150 representatives attended the scientific conference "Tembusu - Challenges and Solutions" on September 8 in Ho Chi Minh City, which was organized by R.E.P Biotechnology Joint Stock Company in collaboration with Vietnam Agriculture News.

Tembusu virus (TMUV) was detected in domestic duck samples while Vietnam lacked an official protocol and vaccine at the time of the conference.

R.E.P Biotechnology Joint Stock Company has diligently researched and become the first unit in Vietnam to successfully apply the reaction to prevent hemagglutination inhibition (HI) to monitor the circulation of Tembusu virus in ducks in response to the need for early detection of Tembusu virus-infected ducks.

HI aids duck growers in mitigating risks while the official protocol and vaccine are not yet in place

Mr. Ngo Quoc Cuong, General Director of R.E.P Biotechnology Joint Stock Company, stated at the conference that the domestic livestock industry is expanding swiftly in scope and productivity.

There are high-productivity breeds, adequate nutrition, maximal genetic capacity exploitation, and modern barn apparatus, but there is still a risk disparity in "biosafety control."

R.E.P Biotech, a manufacturer with an extensive foundation in biotechnology, has contributed to resolving the challenges of contemporary livestock husbandry.

Established in 2022, the Center for Research - Analysis - Testing - Screening under R.E.P Biotech has consistently provided solutions and applications that contribute to resolving problems in the current livestock industry.Mr. Ngo Quoc Cuong explained, "The Tembusu Workshop - Challenges and Solutions was designed to provide the latest and most scientific solutions by evaluating Tembusu antibodies that have been researched and applied in practice by the Research Team of the Center for Research - Analysis - Testing - Screening for R.E.P.

"Mr. Le Trong Dam, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Vietnam Agriculture News, asserts that Vietnam's livestock industry has experienced remarkable growth in terms of quantity, output, and productivity. However, in addition to the benefits and results attained, the livestock industry faces a number of challenges and pressures, the greatest of which is the increasing complexity of epidemics.

The leaders of the MARD and the livestock industry have designated the application of science and technology, biosafety livestock farming, and the reduction of production costs and increase in competitiveness as one of the critical solutions for promoting sustainable livestock development.

Because of that practical requirement, Vietnam Agriculture News and R.E.P Biotechnology Joint Stock Company coordinated to convene a scientific conference to announce a new method for early and accurate detection of Tembusu virus.

From there, it helps duck farmers proactively implement biosecurity measures to safeguard livestock and minimize losses during the production process caused by this hazardous disease.

Affirming the scientific and technological capabilities of Vietnamese businesses

Mr. Pham Kim Dang, Deputy Director of the Department of Livestock Production (MARD), shared the same opinion as Mr. Le Trong Dam, stating that businesses like R.E.P Biotech that research and develop applied technology in animal husbandry and veterinary medicine not only affirm the scientific and technological level of Vietnamese enterprises, but also serve as a foundation for proactive production, proactive biosecurity control, and disease control in livestock farming in our country.

"Tembusu's initiative to arrange scientific conferences on problems and their solutions is extremely important. "Because the disease is relatively new, waterfowl is one of the most important topics in the industry, which has a significant impact on the duck farming industry," Mr. Dang emphasized.

The Deputy Director of the Department of Livestock elaborated on Tembusu disease by stating that the Tembusu virus has only been present in Vietnam for the past five years. Following the initial announcement in 2019, Tembusu, which causes disease in waterfowl, has been identified in numerous provinces and cities across the nation. The disease induced by the Tembusu virus in ducks is commonly known as "overturning and egg drop syndrome" due to its symptoms.

Assoc. Dr. Le Thanh Hien, Head of the Department of Infectious Diseases and Community Veterinary Medicine at the University of Agriculture and Forestry, analyzed further that Tembusu is a new disease with a mortality rate of 70 to 80 percent. In the meantime, livestock producers lack knowledge and vaccines have not been broadly distributed.

Therefore, she stated that REP's HI testing procedure will be of great assistance to farmers in monitoring diseases, determining the antibody level of their farm so that they can feel confident in the reproduction process, and effectively controlling the Tembusu virus.

Mr. Mai Van Tuan, poultry technical staff of Asia Nutrition Company, Dong Nai factory, highly praised R.E.P.'s HI testing procedure from the perspective of conference attendees. As this is a novel virus in Vietnam, according to Mr. Tuan, the majority of the initial diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms. Previously, some units utilized assays for diagnosis, but the HI method is significantly superior due to its ability to preserve vaccines and its low cost.