GD Animal Health Service
Update 2
2011
Transferring knowledge in Russia Ambitious project in Indonesia nears completion Intestinal health of poultry accurately measured
It’s a new day for anImal health.
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
Merck Animal Health (known as MSD Animal Health outside the US and Canada), subsidiaries of Merck & Co., Inc, Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA. MERCK and MSD are trademarks of Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA. Copyright © 2011 Intervet International B.V, subsidiaries of Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA. All rights reserved.
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ambitious project in indonesia nears completion
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intestinal health of poultry now even more accurately measured
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transferring knowledge in russia
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gD and KBBL: finding eHec bacteria together
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News & communications
GD uPDate s
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rVeY Within a few we eks, you will re ceive an invitation to fill out a survey about our mag azine gD upda te. We would apprecia te your taking the time to complete th e questionnaire !
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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
| coluMn
content |
More than just testing there are hundreds, maybe even thousands of laboratories in the world. gD animal Health service is one of them. it is not without reason that we are often asked: what makes you different then? What does gD offer that others can’t? in short: what is your added value? this is a question which we try to answer among other things via the gD update. in this and other issues we will tell you a bit about what we do. We are particularly proud that we can offer more than just a test result. gD combines veterinary expertise, advice and research & Development with laboratory and other data to create information. thus we help you to interpret laboratory results and offer advice on follow-up at animal and business level for the short and long term. Moreover the gD laboratory is not only involved in performing tests, but also in developing and validating new tests. a good example of this is the eHec test which we developed in connection with the recent eHec infections. you can read more about this on page 7. We also use our expertise abroad, for example in indonesia. you can read more about this project on page 4. are you curious about what we could mean for you? then contact our staff and ask for information. JAN JANSEN pHD, MANAGING DIRECToR
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 | 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 MATERIAL gD, cLa, arnsbergstraat 7, 7418 eZ Deventer, the Netherlands.
gD update nr. 2 | 2011 |
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Influenza control | copy: Margriet Brus MA
Ambitious project
in Indonesia nears completion
In 2005, a consortium including the Centre for Development Innovation and the Central Veterinary Institute (both from Wageningen University and Research Centre) together with the Veterinary Faculty of Utrecht University and GD Animal Health Service, began a joint project with Indonesia to conduct research into Avian Influenza (AI). The project was initiated by the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature Management and Fisheries. The objective: to reduce the risks of AI (bird flu) in partnership with Indonesian colleagues. Six years after the project started, we look at the results with Arend Jan Nell of the Centre for Development Innovation, who is coordinator of the Dutch consortium. Nell: ”My role was coordinating the input from the various Dutch parties, who contributed in many ways to the project: by means of training sessions, advice, setting up and carrying out field tests and practical support in laboratories.” The project will be completed in November this year with a symposium which will discuss the most important outcomes. “We will of course also talk about the lessons learned and the robustness of the results”, says Nell.
Ambitious The aim of the project was high: to reduce the dangers of AI as much as possible and to prevent the spread of the virus among people and animals. ”Pretty ambitious”, Nell agrees, “but we have definitely made a contribution with this project. We increased capacity and knowledge as regards control measures over there.” GD above all made an important contribution to training sessions and in setting up the quality assurance system for laboratories. GD employees Gerard Wellenberg, Kees van Maanen and Teun Fabri regularly went to Indonesia to give instruction and support. At the same time, several Indonesians were instructed in laboraIf you want to know more about this project, you can visit http://www.idp-birdflu.com/eng/ or get in touch with Nardy Robben by e-mail: n.robben@gddeventer.com.
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tory techniques at GD in Deventer. ”GD’s input into this project was significant”, says Nell. ”The training sessions have helped to build up knowledge in Indonesia. People were trained and can now in turn instruct others .”
Obstacles One of the obstacles encountered by the team during the project was the infrastructure in Indonesia. “This is not designed for running a control measures programme.” It also turned out that moving animals from one place to another is a more significant factor in spreading AI than had been previously thought. Another lesson learned from the project is the importance of a well-organised poultry sector. “Indonesia is not an exporting country so businesses do not always see the merits of a structured approach to AI.”
Collector houses A significant conclusion of the project concerned the impact of so-called collector houses (trading posts) in the distribution of AI. Nell: “Our project showed that these locations are important risk factors in spreading AI to both people and animals. This had not been recognised five years ago. The Indonesian authorities have therefore announced that they are going to take specific measures as a result of this.”
Completion The project will be officially completed in November 2011, but the accumulated knowledge and capacity will not be lost, coordinator Nell emphasises: “People there now know more about how to carry on the fight against AI and there are other donors who are running new projects.”
copy: Naomi de Bruijn DVM
| intestinal health
Intestinal health of poultry now even more accurately measured GD Animal Health Service offers various new tests to determinate the effect of feeds and/or additives on the intestinal health of poultry. It is very important when developing feeds or additives to look not only into the effect of these substances in relation to technical results but also into the underlying functional mechanisms. Post-mortem investigation, if necessary complemented by histological, bacteriological and clinical chemical examination, can provide a lot of information in this respect.
Studying the health of gut and liver GD Animal Health Service now offers Chronic Enteritis (CE) scores and liver scores specifically for laying hens. The CE score gives an indication of the seriousness and duration of enteritis in laying hens. The CE score also gives recommendations. The liver score provides a histological assessment of the liver function on the basis of the number of points scored. This score gives a clear insight into the state of health of the liver with regard to its metabolism (cholesterol deposits) and immune function. This can then potentially be linked to specific health measures.
Intestinal function in broilers A villus height to crypt depth-ratio (VC ratio) and a new test to measure mucus quality have been specifically devised for broilers. In combination, both methods yield a lot of information about the health of the intestines. The VC ratio tells us about the relative state of intestinal health, while the mucus quality test provides evidence about the composition and degree of development of the protective layer covering the mucosal surface of the intestinal tract. The above-mentioned testing possibilities may be very useful if you want to test the effect of a given substance on two groups of animals (case versus control). Do you want to know more about these new research possibilities and the benefits for you as a feed or food supplement producer? Or do you want to now more about sending samples to GD? Then please contact Madelon Bolderman via m.bolderman@gddeventer.com.
GD Update nr. 2 | 2011 |
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Russia | copy: Margriet Brus, MA
Transferring knowledge
in Russia
Together with its partner FL Test-Pushchino, GD Animal Health Service has started a veterinary laboratory in Russia. The laboratory is part of a project of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation. This project entails master courses provided by Wageningen University Research, practical company-level training sessions organized by PTC+, and expansion of the laboratory with the support of GD. Ton de Gee, project leader at GD: “We are cooperating with FL Test-Pushchino, an existing laboratory with fifty employees. They have always focused primarily on food and feed research, and will continue to do so, but their present aim is to expand operations to include veterinary diagnostics.” The first tests for poultry are already running tests for pigs and cattle will follow soon. ”The laboratory will perform the tests at the high standard customers are used to from GD. The tests will be performed in the modern well-equipped laboratory facilities of FL Test-Puschino in the Moscow region”, says De Gee. The laboratory is located about 80 km from the centre of Moscow. GD employees travel to Russia on a regular basis to accompany the new research branch and train the staff. Some Russian laboratory employees have also visited GD in the Netherlands to receive training under practical conditions. Ton de Gee: “An extra service that the Russian laboratory will offer their customers, is veterinary advice. To do this, the Russian staff need to be well trained. However, GD veterinarians will offer backup when requested.” Presently the laboratory is preparing for an ISO 17025 accreditation by an internationally recognised organization. The goal is to submit for an ISO accreditation in July 2012. “The project officially ends in 2012”, says De Gee, “but GD will stay involved. The laboratory will be privately owned and services will be independent and confidential.
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Moreover, it is not GD’s goal to get involved in notifiable diseases. Responsibility for research into these diseases will remain with the Russian government. GD and FL TestPushchino will focus on diagnostics for improving animal health.” For more information, please contact GD. Russian customers can contact dr. Maxim Voznyak at FL Test-Pushchino (maxim@test-p.ru, phone 007 495 937 9063). The laboratory has been made possible through a grant from the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation.
copy: Margriet Brus MA
| EHEC
GD and KBBL:
finding EHEC bacteria together Suddenly it was in the news everywhere: the EHEC bacteria. People were falling ill and the market for sprouting seeds collapsed. GD Animal Health Service and KBBL laboratory in Wijhe (NL) rolled up their sleeves and started working together on the possibilities of researching EHEC. EHEC is the acronym for Entero haemorraghic E. coli. This is an E. coli bacterium which can cause bloody diarrhoea in humans. Serious kidney problems can also develop as a result of the toxic substances produced by the bacteria. Most E. Coli bacteria live an innocent life in the intestines of people and animals and indeed perform some important tasks. Annet Heuvelink, bacteriologist at GD, who wrote her doctoral thesis on EHEC, says: “The trouble with EHEC bacteria is that they look like ‘ordinary’ E. coli. EHEC cannot be distinguished from harmless E. coli in a laboratory culture.”
Specific screening
A lot of work The confirmation of a suspected infection and specification of the type is a highly specialised job. Heuvelink: “KBBL cultivates the bacteria first and generates DNA in this way. This is used in the PCR test, which is then able to detect the specific DNA of the EHEC bacteria. The material is sent to GD if the PCR produces a positive result. We select no fewer than 50 bacterial colonies and use these for further
foto: KBBL
research. If we find anything, we need to confirm these are suspect colonies and further identify their type.” The use of the KBBL and GD test is not limited to suppliers and producers of vegetables, according to Annet Heuvelink. “Meat producers can also benefit from this test as well.” Want to know more? Then send an e-mail to n.robben@gddeventer.com.
foto: KBBL
That is why GD Animal Health Service and KBBL started to work together. Heuvelink: “KBBL has PCR equipment at its disposal in the lab which can detect EHEC bacteria. They receive samples from clients and carry out a first screening on their equipment.” If the sample looks suspect, they are passed on to GD. “GD has the in-house capacity to confirm what KBBL suspects and provide a specific identification of the type of EHEC.”
GD Update nr. 2 | 2011 |
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News & communications research Into selectIVe DrYInG off gD animal Health service and the Dutch udder Health centre (ugcN) have recently started a research programme into selective drying off. the objective is to investigate whether it is possible to predict which cows can be dried off without the use of antibiotics and without an increased risk of mastitis during the following lactation period. this information could help to reduce the use of antibiotics in the dairy cattle sector. the research is being conducted in the Netherlands in normal dairy farms with more than forty cows. a total of 1700 cows from around 90 farms will be examined. it is the intention to carry out a split-udder trial on cows with a low cell count, by drying off two teats with antibiotics and leaving the other two to dry off without antibiotics. staff from gD and ugcN are visiting dairy farms in order to keep a close watch on the animals and to collect samples.
IntroDuctIon of Pts for Pcr test MethoDs successful gD has been successfully organising proficiency testing schemes (pts/ring trials) for antibody detection for more than 10 years now. Market research shows that laboratories are increasingly using Nucleic acid amplification techniques (Nat), such as pcr, to detect agents. there is therefore an increasing demand for external quality control of pcr test methods. taking part in a pcr pts is a good way of ensuring this happens. gD now offers laboratories this possibility in order to meet our customers’ needs. in January 2011 we successfully introduced a pcr pts for porcine circovirus type 2 (pcV-2) and Bovine virus Diarrhoea (BVD). in June we introduced our third pcr pts, for Bovine Mastitis. interested? then please contact annemiek slothouber via a.slothouber@gddeventer.com.
aWarD for GD researcher
suBMIttInG saMPles to GD
During the WVpa congress in Mexico, gD researcher and poultry veterinarian anneke Feberwee DVM phD received the Bart rispens award for her article “induction of apex eggshell abnormalities by Mycoplasma synoviae: field and experimental studies”. co-authors were gD employees sjaak de Wit and Wil Landman. the Bart rispens award is awarded every two year to the best scientific article in the magazine avian pathology.
our veterinary laboratory can analyse samples from abroad. We provide not only reliable results, but also support your disease management with the interpretation of the results or extended consultancy services.
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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gD has a permanent import permit to receive samples from non eu member states (third countries). the import permit and its requirements are based on eu regulations. the samples have to enter the eu via amsterdam schiphol airport and inspected and cleared by the authorities. you can find the requirements on our website. samples with an origin in eu member states (including Norway and switzerland) can be send directly to our laboratory in Deventer. please take care of the proper packaging for the samples and the transport and add a submission form to the shipment. iata and aDr have specific requirements for uN3373 biological substances cat ii samples. on our website you can find more information about packaging and transport conditions. always ask your courier or transport company about the latest developments with regard to iata or aDr packaging regulations. please contact us if you are planning to send samples to us! We can advise and support you and have your samples in our laboratory in the fastest way possible. contact us via email: n.robben@gddeventer.com.