Project Number: 3625-32000-106-07
Project Type: Trust

Start Date: Jul 17, 2008
End Date: Oct 01, 2012

Objective:
Improve the detection of BVDV persistently infected animals by ELISA based tests. Activites will include evaluating techniques used in collection, handling and storage of samples as well as attempting to generate improved reagents for inclusion in ELISA test kits.

Approach:
Currently there are two commercial antigen capture ELISA test kits licensed for purchase in the U.S. We will try to see if we can improve the performance of commercial kits by adjusting protocols for samples collection, handling and storage. We will also see if we can generate reagents, such as polyclonal antibodies, monoclonal antibodies and expressed antigens, which will improve the performance of ELISA tests.