How can UBI tests differentiate vaccinated animals from infected animals?
The foot-and-mouth virus is made of structural and non-structural proteins. An infected animal will produce antibodies to both the structure and non-structure proteins. The current killed virus vaccines are manufactured by removing nonstructural proteins from the virus, so that the vaccine will elicit antibodies only to the structural proteins. UBI tests can specifically detect antibodies triggered by a nonstructural protein 3B and thus can distinguish vaccination from infection. With the UBI tests, there would be no need to kill uninfected animals. And the tests provide a scientific solution for the surveillance and control of FMD.
The foot-and-mouth virus is made of structural and non-structural proteins. An infected animal will produce antibodies to both the structure and non-structure proteins. The current killed virus vaccines are manufactured by removing nonstructural proteins from the virus, so that the vaccine will elicit antibodies only to the structural proteins. UBI tests can specifically detect antibodies triggered by a nonstructural protein 3B and thus can distinguish vaccination from infection. With the UBI tests, there would be no need to kill uninfected animals.
