gd animal health service
Update 1
2012
exploring new ways to test ehv researching and monitoring animal health surveying the development of schmallenberg virus
Today MSD Animal Health is a new company. But we’ll also be a new company tomorrow. And the day after. Because we promise to meet every challenge with the same energy and innovative spirit we have today. Whether that’s fighting zoonotic disease, meeting the world’s need for protein and sustainable food production or developing the treatments and technology you need to keep your business healthy. learn more at msd-anImal-health.com
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It’s a new day for anImal health.
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content | 04 Schmallenberg virus
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PCR c-KIT: for responsible treatment of mast cell tumours in dogs
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New method for detecting EHV
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News & communications
The importance of research and monitoring
6 7 CONTACT information If you want to know more about what GD can do for you, please contact one of our staff members, responsible for international sales:
Ton de Gee, DVM PhD
Eveline Peereboom de Haan, BSc
Manager international projects
Account manager Pharmacy
Eva Eickenbusch, Dipl. Ing.
Madelon Bolderman, MSc
Market manager Germany
Account manager Feed
Nardy Robben, BSc
Annemiek Slothouber, BSc
Market manager Europe
Product sales manager Diagnostics and PTS
| phone In the Netherlands 0900-1770, Outside the Netherlands +31 (0)570-63 33 91
By the time you read this column, its content may be outdated, because there is a lot going on in the agricultural field. Obviously I mean both the new ‘Schmallenberg virus’ in Europe and the recent cases of Rhinovirus at horses in the Netherlands. The Schmallenberg virus, that is found at lambs and calves, causes a lot of fuss. Not only because the birth of deformed lambs and calves is poignant, but also because a lot of questions emerge. For example: where does this virus come from? How does it spread? What can farmers expect in 2012? What consequences does the virus have? Unfortunately, we don’t have the answers yet to most of these questions and this causes a lot of insecurity for everybody in the field. GD is however working hard to answer these questions. We do this by developing tests for the Schmallenberg virus, gathering as much information as possible from the Netherlands and abroad and by epidemiologic research. Another problem in the agricultural field is the outbreak of Rhino at horses. This virus can cause innocent phenomena such as flue, but also abortion and neurologic problems. So far, there isn’t a national monitoring system for horse diseases and this makes it difficult to control and fight viruses such as Rhino. GD is now deliberating with the Dutch Sector Council Horses about a national monitoring system for horses. With a mutual effort of GD, government and animal owners, animal health in the Netherlands will be further improved. Jan Jansen PHD, Managing Director
| Fax + 31 (0)570-63 41 04 | E-mail info@gddeventer.com | Website www.gddeventer.com | Mail address GD, P.O. Box 9, 7400 AA Deventer, the Netherlands | Delivery address for samples and post mortem m aterial GD, CLA, Arnsbergstraat 7, 7418 EZ Deventer, the Netherlands.
GD Update nr. 1 | 2012 |
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copy: Margriet Brus, MA
| Schmallenberg virus
hmallenberg virus GD’s role in surveillance, research and test development In August and September 2011, GD received the first reports of cows with diarrhoea and yield loss. Late 2011, we received reports of lambs being born deformed and in early 2012 of deformed calves. It turned out to be the new Schmallenberg virus. GD is surveying the development of this virus in the Netherlands, carrying out further studies and also developing tests. Animal health surveillance With subsidies from the Dutch government, GD has been surveying the health of ruminants, poultry and pigs since 2002. Thanks to this surveillance system, companies and policymakers in the Netherlands always have clear and complete information regarding animal health, so they can take immediate action where necessary. The surveillance system includes various components, such as a telephone service for veterinarians, dissection facilities and analysis of animal health data from various sources. All information generated is reported to stakeholders and then to veterinarians and livestock farmers. In August and September 2011, GD’s surveillance
Gerdien van Schaik, head of GD’s epidemiology department
system received the first reports of cows with diarrhoea, fever and yield loss. GD initiated a study in the light of this, but results were inconclusive at first. In December, we received reports of lambs being born deformed. It was soon apparent that we were dealing with a new pathogen – the Schmallenberg virus, causing both the problems in cows and the deformations in lambs and later calves too. Diagnostics The test we initially used to detect the Schmallenberg virus came from Germany’s Friedrich Loeffler Institute, but GD directly started developing its own test. This has now resulted in a PCR test for the virus. This test only detects the virus. We are currently working on a test to detect antibodies. This means we can demonstrate whether an animal has been infected in the past with the virus. This test should prove to be useful to farmers checking the serostatus on their farm. Epidemiological study Furthermore, GD currently has initiated epidemiological studies. Gerdien van Schaik, head of GD’s epidemiology department: “What we aim to study is the impact of the Schmallenberg virus. Is there evidence of, for instance, yield loss, and if so, how much? What percentage of cows on a farm have developed antibodies? We will also carry out surveys to try and identify any possible risk factors. Do grazing patterns or feed type have any influence? This will be done at both infected and non-infected farms to ensure an effective comparison can be made and to try and identify why one farm is infected and the other is not. This kind of research should
enable us to identify measures for farmers to prevent damage from the virus in case it shows to become endemic. Similar studies demonstrated that the risk of blue tongue infection, for instance, was reduced in cowsheds with open sides with windbreak gauze.” Source tracing Additionally, GD wants to set up a ‘source tracing’ study that also involves collaboration with the Central Veterinary Institute (CVI) and organizations in Belgium and Germany. Van Schaik: “This means we will try and identify where and when the virus got started and what the cause of the outbreak is. We will do this by determining antibody responses in serum samples from ruminants from 2010 and 2011 and by studying lab data. We might also include yield data and fertility statistics.” There is also the option of carrying out a ‘sentinel study’. This means that uninfected cattle are observed from April or May on to see whether they become infected and, if so, when. What symptoms do these animals show? And how fast does the virus spread through the farm? In short: GD’s surveillance instruments enable it to respond quickly and effectively to the Schmallenberg virus situation in the Netherlands. The additional expertise of researchers and veterinarians is deployed to develop tests and epidemiological studies.
Do you want more information about what GD can do for you? Then call us on +31 (0)570 633 391, or mail info@gddeventer.com.
GD Update nr. 1 | 2012 |
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Tumor treatment in dogs | Copy: Jeanine Brussee, MSc
PCR c-KIT:
for responsible treatment of mast cell tumours in dogs Mast cell tumours are among the most commonly seen skin tumours in dogs. Roughly 20% of all skin tumours in dogs turn out to be mast cell tumours. Since the external characteristics and clinical presentation of these tumours are not specific, it is important to follow a well thought through strategy to establish the right diagnosis and – above all – initiate an appropriate therapy. The therapeutic options for cutaneous mast cell tumours include surgical removal of the process, followed if necessary with drug therapy. If the tumours are inoperable, drug therapy may be used alone. Following on surgery, histopathological examination of the removed mast cell tumour can provide a great deal of extra information about its behaviour. This aids in deciding whether (complete) surgical removal is adequate or whether additional drug therapy is necessary. New therapeutic drugs Recently two receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors – masitinib (Masivet®) and toceranib (Palladia®) – have been introduced as non-invasive therapeutic drugs for mast cell tumours. These drugs will only work when the tumor has specific mutations. Together with Van Haeringen Laboratorium, GD has developed a PCR test that demonstrates these specific mutations. Once these mutations have been demonstrated, the animal can be treated in a scientifically responsible manner with receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy The test is carried out on the DNA from cells extracted from the mast cell tumour using Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy. The cells present on (air dried) smears contain enough usable DNA to carry out the test. The main benefit of this technique is that the test can also be carried out on inoperable tumours. DNA originating from formalin-fixed tissue cannot be used in this test, as the formalin fixation solution causes excessive DNA fragmentation. Submitting material There are two options: 1. Cytological diagnostics are carried out in our pathology department. You do not need to submit new biopsies. We can use the smears already in our possession for the PCR. Please indicate by email (pathologie@gddeventer. com) that you wish to carry out a PCR, stating the submission number. 2. Diagnostics are carried out by another laboratory. You can either ask this laboratory to forward the biopsies or take sufficient biopsies in advance and submit them to us when you wish to carry out further tests. Biopsies must be packed in compliance with the standards that apply to sending diagnostic material. No later than 14 days after submission, you will receive the result from us as to whether a mutation is present and, if so, in which exon mutation was found. Do you want more information? Please call us on +31 (0)570 633 391 or mail to info@gddeventer.com.
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copy: Margriet Brus, MA
| EHV
New method for
detecting EHV
EHV1 and EHV4 (also called Rhino) are nasty viruses that can cause airway problems, abortions and nervous symptoms in horses. Research done by GD Animal Health Service suggests that EHV is the major cause of abortus infections among horses in the Netherlands. Detecting this pathogen is not only complicated, but also costly. Together with the pharmaceutical company Pfizer Animal Health, GD has carried out research into three other testing methods. Three alternatives The common method for the post-abortion detection of EHV1 or EHV4 viruses is the dissection of aborted foals and placentas. This is a complicated and therefore pricey method. So Pfizer and GD cooperated with eachother and researched three alternative testing methods: aspiration biopsies, vaginal swabs and blood samples. Over 50 veterinary clinics in the Netherlands participated in this trial, submitting 169 sample packs for testing. Aspiration biopsies and vaginal swabs good methods The study demonstrates that an aspiration biopsy (lung material from the foal) is an effective way to detect EHV.
Aspiration biopsies and vaginal swabs are examined using a PCR test. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that the results of aspiration biopsies and vaginal swabs correspond well. So the trial of vaginal swabs also provides a good result, but it is slightly less reliable than the outcome of an aspiration biopsy. If an aspiration biopsy is not possible (for instance, if the dead foal’s cadaver has already been removed), then a vaginal swab is a good alternative. Testing the blood of the mares did not prove reliable enough to detect EHV1 and EHV4. Combination works best The combination of an aspiration biopsy of the aborted foal and a vaginal swab from the mare is a good alternative method for detecting EHV1 or EHV 4 as a cause of abortion. Since 1 January 2012, GD has been providing the option of submitting samples for this combined test, which is easier to handle than sending in the aborted foal for dissection. For further information, you can call us on +31 (0)570 633 391, or mail us at info@gddeventer.com.
“Down to earth and professional” “At Pfizer Animal Health, it’s not just about selling products. Every year, a lot of time and money are invested in research and development, both globally and locally. What’s more, we think it’s very important to play a role in developing a greater understanding of equine health”, says Boukje Samplonius, Business Manager Equine at Pfizer Animal Health. “In that sense it’s really important to partner up with experts when starting a project. Given our good relationship with GD, and the satisfactory results of projects and studies in the past, it was quite an easy choice to ask GD’s Kees van Maanen to help us out on a project we’d been thinking of for quite some time. In the last year and a half, we’ve all been
working intensively on a local study. In this study, different diagnostic methods were investigated for aborting mares to see if we could find a solid, safe and practical alternative for necropsy of aborted fetuses. Kees’ expertise on Equine Herpes Virus, his skill at setting up studies like these, and effective cooperation has resulted in greater awareness of EHV among veterinarians in the Netherlands. What’s more, it was very exciting to find results that actually help in the practise of veterinary medicine.” Samplonius states that the ‘down to earth’ mentality, combined with world-class expertise and professionalism, makes GD a trusted and appreciated partner in animal health projects. GD Update nr. 1 | 2012 |
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news & communications ANiMAL heALth CeNter PUShChiNO OPeNS itS dOOrS On 10 February, the Animal Health Center in Pushchino (Moscow region, Russian Federation) opened its doors. In the presence of clients and guests, the Ambassador of the Netherlands, Mr Ron Keller, and a representative of the city of Pushchino, Ms Raushania Petrova, unveiled a banner commemorating the event. The managing director of GD Animal Health Service, Mr Jan Jansen, and the director of FL Test-Pushchino, Mr. Vladimir Voznyak, both expressed their commitment to make the ceremony the beginning of a long-lasting collaboration between both companies. The Animal Health Center will make GD’s knowledge available to the Russian market. During the AgroFarm Fair on 7–9 February 2012 in Moscow, many Russian and Dutch companies already expressed their interest in the Animal Health Center.
gd PtS NOW ACCredited ACCOrdiNg tO iSO/ieC 17043:2010 We are proud to announce that have we been granted ISO/IEC 17043:2010 accreditation from the Dutch Accreditation Council (RvA). This standard is an improvement on and replacement for the criteria currently used for the assessment of PT Providers as described in ILAC G13:2007. Proficiency testing involves use of interlaboratory comparisons in the determination of a laboratory’s performance and, more specifically, in its ongoing competence. Laboratories demonstrate their competence by complying with ISO 17025. The need for additional confidence in their results is achieved through participation in interlaboratory comparisons managed by a proficiency testing provider operating in accordance with ISO/IEC 17043. If you would like to receive more information, please contact Ms. Annemiek Slothouber on a.slothouber@gddeventer.com.
WWW.gddeveNter.COM reNeWed The renewed website of GD Animal Health Service has been live since 20 February 2012. Go to www.gddeventer.com now to view our new, fresh and neat website. In a user-friendly and uncluttered format, it provides a vast repository of information about animal health for livestock farmers, veterinarians and industrial clients. We would love to hear what you think of the site!
MOre iNfOrMAtiON? on our website www.gddeventer.com you will find information about our products, services and various gd projects as well as the latest information about submitting samples to gd. Furthermore, we have an e-letter to keep you informed about new tests, recent publications by gd employees, proficiency testing schemes and much more. you can register for our e-letter on the website. gd, po box 9, 7400 aa deventer, the netherlands t. +31 570 633391, F. +31 570 634104 www.gddeventer.com, info@gddeventer.com
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Reactions may be entered under ‘Contact’ on the new site or submitted to internetredactie@gddeventer.com.
13th iSvee CONfereNCe This year, the 13th ISVEE Concerence will be in the city of Maastricht, the Netherlands. GD Animal Health Service is one of the gold sponsors of this conference and we look forward to meet you in Maastricht. For more information about this conference, go to our website or to www.isvee13.org.
gd iNtrOdUCeS three NeW PrOfiCieNCY teStiNg SCheMeS In 2012, the following proficiency testing schemes (PTS) are being added to our PTS programme: February/march • Porcine Reproductive & Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) RNA in porcine serum and tissue suspensions by NAT, e.g. PCR • Brachyspira hyodysenteriae in porcine faecal samples by NAT, e.g. PCR october • Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT) antibody detection in poultry serum If you would like to participate or receive more information, please contact Ms. Annemiek Slothouber via a.slothouber@gddeventer.com.