The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in the Philippines, in collaboration with BioAssets Corporation, has harnessed science, technology, and innovation to develop three cutting-edge technologies aimed at detecting and managing the African swine fever virus (ASFV).
ASFV, causing haemorrhagic fever in pigs, has been significantly impacting the swine industry, with outbreaks affecting the majority of provinces in the Philippines since 2019, leading to active cases in six provinces as of July 11, 2025.
In response to the urgent need for rapid virus detection, the DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) has created two technologies utilizing a rapid, accurate, and real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) protocol for on-the-spot detection of ASFV. PCR is a laboratory technique essential for amplifying target DNA segments from samples, employing primers to facilitate gene amplification.
The two innovative technologies developed for ASFV detection are the “TUSLOB®Rapid DNA Extraction Kit” and “VIPtec®African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) Real-time PCR Detection Kit,” designed to be used sequentially. These advancements fall under the Virology and Vaccine Research Program (VRP), funded by DOST and monitored by the DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD).
Complementing these PCR-based technologies is the pioneering Filipino-made “Mobile Biocontainment Laboratory (MBL)” by BioAssets Corporation, aimed at facilitating rapid response to potential outbreaks, enhancing capacity building, and enabling efficient disease surveillance to empower farmers and veterinarians in devising timely mitigation strategies.
The TUSLOB®Rapid DNA Extraction Kit has been optimized for point-of-care testing, simplifying DNA extraction in veterinary and agricultural settings, with potential use for detecting other animal diseases. This user-friendly innovation ensures quality DNA extractions suitable for quantitative PCR (qPCR), a molecular technique facilitating real-time detection and quantification of target DNA sequences during amplification.
The VIPtec®ASFV Real-time PCR Detection Kit, optimized for portable and cost-effective qPCR machines, is highly suitable for early and on-site diagnosis of ASFV in areas lacking conventional disease diagnostic labs. This innovation streamlines field investigations and diagnosis for veterinarians and animal health workers, reducing virus transmission and economic losses by providing real-time, reliable results with reduced complexity and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional systems.
Key Takeaways:
– The Philippines has developed innovative technologies using real-time PCR for rapid detection and management of ASFV.
– The TUSLOB®Rapid DNA Extraction Kit and VIPtec®ASFV Real-time PCR Detection Kit are key advancements in ASFV detection.
– The Mobile Biocontainment Laboratory (MBL) by BioAssets Corporation aims to enhance rapid response capabilities in disease surveillance.
– These technologies showcase the potential of science, technology, and innovation in addressing critical animal health challenges and enhancing food security.
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