In just a few minutes, the mobile tool accurately detects viruses in pig farms

A state-of-the-art diagnostic system limits the spread of disease in modern animal production systems using photonic biosensors, promoting animal and food safety.

Effective drugs and vaccines successfully combat diseases in livestock. However, timely diagnosis and more reliable countermeasures against outbreaks of infectious diseases are essential to limit serious consequences. The increasing burden of animal diseases threatens the livelihoods of vulnerable populations and increases food prices, thereby widening inequalities.

“Early detection is key to be able to intervene and save as many animals as possible,” comments Alessandro Giusti, R&D Director at Cyprus Research & Innovation Center Ltd (CyRIC), the company coordinating the SWINOSTICS project. “This will keep production costs down, resulting in better prices for consumers.”

Immediate, fast and reliable diagnosis

Currently, the time between the onset of a disease and confirmation of infection by the laboratory can be several weeks. This underscores the urgent need for portable, accurate and easy-to-use diagnostic tools for on-farm testing.

The mobile diagnosis system from SWINOSTICS is based on biosensor and photonic technologies, which reliably and quickly detect viral swine diseases within minutes. This on-site diagnostic innovation is critical to preventing further spread of disease on pig farms.

The device is modular, allowing for future upgrades to increase capacity. In addition, it is compatible with sensors designed to detect all types of viruses.

Instant threat analysis on the farm

The SWINOSTICS tool detects six emerging and endemic viruses: African swine fever virus, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, porcine parvovirus, porcine circovirus type 2, classical swine fever virus and swine influenza virus. All of this causes epidemics in pig farms across Europe.

The device offers many advantages: In less than 45 minutes it provides results for 4 oral fluid samples simultaneously, as well as other types of samples such as blood, stool and nasal swab. Using oral fluid samples simplifies sample collection and minimizes testing time. The fast turnaround time combined with the simultaneous analysis of samples reduces costs and increases efficiency.

Veterinarians or trained farmers connect to the project’s diagnostic tool via a mobile app. An advanced, cloud-based interface and platform are also available to process more detailed data. This is particularly useful for researchers, standardization bodies and government agencies.

Use of laser technology, chemistry and biology to better detect viruses

Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) biosensors are a key component of the device. The surface of the PIC contains antibodies against the targeted swine virus. When a virus-containing sample is passed over the sensors, this virus binds to the antibodies. The device determines whether the target virus is present or not. In addition, the biosensors can be reused at least 10 times, making them even more cost-effective.

Both the device and the sensors can be easily adapted to detect other viral diseases as well. They can also be used on other animals. The SWINOSTICS partners plan to commercialize both modifications.

The innovative system will be a game changer for veterinarians and farmers. But it could also be used by food control agencies, leading to improved controls and updated food safety regulations.

“The swine disease field diagnostics toolbox is vital not only for animal and food safety, but also for human health in general,” concludes Giusti. “It also has a direct positive economic impact on pig farms and the agri-food sector.”