MOSCOW, June 23. / TASS /. The Federal Center for Animal Health, subordinate to the Rosselkhoznadzor, has developed a test system for detecting antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the blood serum of animals. This is stated in the message of the Rosselkhoznadzor.
The Federal Center for Animal Health (FGBI ARRIAH), subordinate to Rosselkhoznadzor, has developed a test system for detecting antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus based on the widespread technology of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). antibodies produced in the animal's body for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, “the department said.
As explained in the Rosselkhoznadzor, in the case of the presence of antibodies in the analyzed blood sample, they trigger a color cascade reaction. The color change in the reaction is detected using highly sensitive devices – ELISA readers, which automate the research process.
The technique was tested in the course of studies of biological material of domestic animals (cats and dogs), farm animals (pigs), fur animals (ferrets, minks and foxes). The test system is multi-species, that is, it is designed for the analysis of blood serum of all these types of animals.
How the system works
In addition, the test system is universal: it allows you to detect antibodies produced both as a result of coronavirus infection and after vaccination against this disease. In the latter case, a quantitative assessment can be made and a conclusion can be drawn about the effectiveness of the vaccine and the need for additional revaccination of the animal.
According to the Rosselkhoznadzor, to check the specificity and sensitivity, both unvaccinated animals and those vaccinated with the Karnivak-Kov drug developed by the FGBI ARRIAH, which is the world's first registered vaccine against COVID-19 for animals, were tested. “The method showed high specificity and sensitivity: in unvaccinated animals, the test showed a negative result, and in all vaccinated animals it revealed specific antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus,” the Russian department noted.
According to Rosselkhoznadzor, there are few analogues of this test system in the world. It is known, in particular, about the development of a similar technique in France.
“Now such an analysis is used for research purposes and will be available for legal entities and individuals wishing to examine their pets in the FGBI ARRIAH, if they are interested,” the Rosselkhoznadzor concluded.
