Friday , 29 March 2024

AQD’s diagnostic laboratory follows international standards

“SEAFDEC/AQD is confidently following the international laboratory standard,” said Dr. Edgar Amar, head of AQD’s fish health section, upon receiving the result that AQD passed the Inter-laboratory calibration (Ring Test) organized by the Aquaculture Pathology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Science and Microbiology of the University of Arizona, USA, headed by Dr. Donald Lightner. The test which evaluated the proficiency in the detection of shrimp pathogens by PCR/RT- PCR procedures was participated by Ecuador, Madagascar, Brunei, Mexico, and the Philippines. In the said test, the pathogens yellow-head virus (YHV), infections myonecrosis virus (IMNV), white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), and infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV) were successfully detected by AQD’s fish health laboratory.

According to Dr. Amar, the best way to manage diseases is to prevent their entry by ensuring that the fry from hatchery is disease-free. The PCR test should be able to determine this.

AQD accepts samples of shrimp larvae, juveniles, and adults for detection of shrimp viral diseases. For requests on disease diagnostic and analytical services and further inquiries, you may visit www.seafdec.org.ph/2011/analytical-services.


ring test
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Steps in conducting PCR include preparing master mix, template loading, putting of samples in thermal cycler, electrophoresis, staining of ethidium bromide (not shown), and viewing of results. Thanks to AQD scientist Dr. Leobert dela Peña for the photos


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