Implementation of CSF preventative and control strategies in village production systems combined with longitudinal studies to measure their effectiveness and sustainability
(a) Swine production and health survey in selected villages of Bolikhamxay province
Baseline surveys were conducted in May 2002 in 8 villages, 4 villages in each of 2 districts, namely Bolikhan and Pakading, to gather information on village demography, pig management, production and health.
On a monthly basis pig production and health data are collected from each village
As yet no major losses of stock have occurred as a result of CSF or other infectious/contagious agents during the course of the survey. However, a laboratory confirmed outbreak of CSF occurred in Nampa village in Bolikhan district approximately 2 months prior to the commencement of the survey, killing more than 100 pigs.
The average birthing rates to date in Bolikhan and Pakading districts are 6 and 5.7 piglets/sow respectively
Approximately 58% of total pigs outgoing from farm (deaths, sales and home consumption) are piglets in the age group 0 '€" 3 months. The break down of information regarding out-of-village sales is on going.
The price per kilo live weight offered to farmers was 6000 kip. Considering the majority of sales are in the age bracket 0 '€" 3 months, farmers are receiving only a few dollars for their stock. There are a number of reasons why this could be the case, (i) market driven (consumers prefer young pig meat), (ii) fear of disease, (iii) not enough feed to hold piglets longer or (iv) a combination of the first 3 points.
Approximately 9% of the production system output is lost to the farmers through death of stock, of this 9%, approximately 79% of deaths occur in stock 0 '€" 3 months of age. Further data analysis is necessary.
Training has been carried out to allow this survey to be conducted.

(b) Maternal transfer of local CSF vaccine derived antibodies in controlled lab based experiments and under less controlled village-based experiments
This study is in progress. 4 laboratory-based pigs have been mated and are pregnant. The first piglets are due to be born in late March 2003. Flooding of the laboratory pens in July '€" September 2002 resulted in an unavoidable delay in commencing this experiment. It is due to be completed within the next three months
Contracts are currently being negotiated with farmers in Nampa village in Bolikhan district to carry out maternal antibody transfer experiments in 4 pregnant sows in the villages. It is expected that piglets will be born in April 2003.

Complete investigations of the epidemiology of recent FMD outbreaks in the north of the Lao PDR
Structured retrospective epidemiological investigations of FMD outbreaks in Luang Namtha and Xieng Khouang provinces of the Lao PDR were carried out in September and October 2002. Outbreaks of FMD had not been previously observed in either of these two provinces. In both locations type O caused the outbreaks that occurred in naïve herds, as farmers in outbreak areas had not previously recognised FMD in their stock. Outbreaks were found to be the result of the introduction of infected stock (Xieng Khouang) and possibly through the importation of contaminated meat (Luang Namtha). The principle mode of spread of the virus once established in both provinces was the within and between village contact of animals and the localised movement and trade of animals. The latter seemed to be exacerbated by the common practice of farmers selling their animals when they become sick and '€œmiddleman'€ traders taking advantage of farmers'€™ willingness to sell their animals at a lower price. The pattern of sale and the movement of animals for this purpose were quite varied between Luang Namtha and Xieng Khouang. The frequency of trade in each province was not determined, however this practice was far more obvious in Xieng Khouang where trade was recognised by farmers as a risk high factor (particularly Nong Het district) and more commonly transcended the bounds of local trade, with animals moving to the Vietnamese border from Paek and Kham districts. The outbreak in Luang Namtha resolved after a few months through animal movement restriction, vaccination and the remoteness and difficulty of the terrain. The outbreak in Xieng Khouang has not yet been resolved (as of Jan 2003 outbreaks are still occurring).
Further investigations and surveillance in Xieng Khouang are planned for May 2003.
During the investigation of FMD in Luang Namtha, it became apparent that a substantial number of buffaloes are transported down the Mekong River from Xoploy in Long district (LN province) to Huay Xay in Bokeo province. These animals are not traded legally and pose a significant threat to Lao, Myanmar and Thailand buffalo, cattle and pig populations. It is planned to carry out an investigation to determine the actual number of animals being traded each month on this route and carry out serological surveillance.

Evaluation of modified serological tests for FMD
Initial tests have been completed. A problem with the rabbit and guinea pig antibodies used in the ELISA were suspected. This has been confirmed and it is expected that this technology will be successfully transferred by June 2003.

Conduct training and refresher courses for district animal health staff involved in the field investigations of CSF vaccination and refresh the diagnostic sample submission network (DSSN) where appropriate
Initial training relating to the survey being carried out in Bolikhamxay province was conducted in May 2002. This training was not a particular course as such, but rather a detailed look at/discussion of the research objectives of the Bolikhamxay field study and how we would achieve these objectives. Issues covered included: (i) research plan and expected outputs (ii) information collection and recording (iii) a detailed breakdown of the monthly survey forms was carried out so that provincial and district staff responsible for the survey fully understood what information is collected and (iv) sample collection and submission.

Implementation of CSF preventative and control strategies in village production systems combined with longitudinal studies to measure their effectiveness and sustainability
(a) Swine production and health survey in selected villages of Bolikhamxay province
Baseline surveys were conducted in May 2002 in 8 villages, 4 villages in each of 2 districts, namely Bolikhan and Pakading, to gather information on village demography, pig management, production and health.
On a monthly basis pig production and health data are collected from each village
As yet no major losses of stock have occurred as a result of CSF or other infectious/contagious agents during the course of the survey. However, a laboratory confirmed outbreak of CSF occurred in Nampa village in Bolikhan district approximately 2 months prior to the commencement of the survey, killing more than 100 pigs.
The average birthing rates to date in Bolikhan and Pakading districts are 6 and 5.7 piglets/sow respectively
Approximately 58% of total pigs outgoing from farm (deaths, sales and home consumption) are piglets in the age group 0 '€" 3 months. The break down of information regarding out-of-village sales is on going.
The price per kilo live weight offered to farmers was 6000 kip. Considering the majority of sales are in the age bracket 0 '€" 3 months, farmers are receiving only a few dollars for their stock. There are a number of reasons why this could be the case, (i) market driven (consumers prefer young pig meat), (ii) fear of disease, (iii) not enough feed to hold piglets longer or (iv) a combination of the first 3 points.
Approximately 9% of the production system output is lost to the farmers through death of stock, of this 9%, approximately 79% of deaths occur in stock 0 '€" 3 months of age. Further data analysis is necessary.
Training has been carried out to allow this survey to be conducted.

(b) Maternal transfer of local CSF vaccine derived antibodies in controlled lab based experiments and under less controlled village-based experiments
This study is in progress. 4 laboratory-based pigs have been mated and are pregnant. The first piglets are due to be born in late March 2003. Flooding of the laboratory pens in July '€" September 2002 resulted in an unavoidable delay in commencing this experiment. It is due to be completed within the next three months
Contracts are currently being negotiated with farmers in Nampa village in Bolikhan district to carry out maternal antibody transfer experiments in 4 pregnant sows in the villages. It is expected that piglets will be born in April 2003.

Complete investigations of the epidemiology of recent FMD outbreaks in the north of the Lao PDR
Structured retrospective epidemiological investigations of FMD outbreaks in Luang Namtha and Xieng Khouang provinces of the Lao PDR were carried out in September and October 2002. Outbreaks of FMD had not been previously observed in either of these two provinces. In both locations type O caused the outbreaks that occurred in naïve herds, as farmers in outbreak areas had not previously recognised FMD in their stock. Outbreaks were found to be the result of the introduction of infected stock (Xieng Khouang) and possibly through the importation of contaminated meat (Luang Namtha). The principle mode of spread of the virus once established in both provinces was the within and between village contact of animals and the localised movement and trade of animals. The latter seemed to be exacerbated by the common practice of farmers selling their animals when they become sick and '€œmiddleman'€ traders taking advantage of farmers' willingness to sell their animals at a lower price. The pattern of sale and the movement of animals for this purpose were quite varied between Luang Namtha and Xieng Khouang. The frequency of trade in each province was not determined, however this practice was far more obvious in Xieng Khouang where trade was recognised by farmers as a risk high factor (particularly Nong Het district) and more commonly transcended the bounds of local trade, with animals moving to the Vietnamese border from Paek and Kham districts. The outbreak in Luang Namtha resolved after a few months through animal movement restriction, vaccination and the remoteness and difficulty of the terrain. The outbreak in Xieng Khouang has not yet been resolved (as of Jan 2003 outbreaks are still occurring).
Further investigations and surveillance in Xieng Khouang are planned for May 2003.
During the investigation of FMD in Luang Namtha, it became apparent that a substantial number of buffaloes are transported down the Mekong River from Xoploy in Long district (LN province) to Huay Xay in Bokeo province. These animals are not traded legally and pose a significant threat to Lao, Myanmar and Thailand buffalo, cattle and pig populations. It is planned to carry out an investigation to determine the actual number of animals being traded each month on this route and carry out serological surveillance.

Evaluation of modified serological tests for FMD
Initial tests have been completed. A problem with the rabbit and guinea pig antibodies used in the ELISA were suspected. This has been confirmed and it is expected that this technology will be successfully transferred by June 2003.

Conduct training and refresher courses for district animal health staff involved in the field investigations of CSF vaccination and refresh the diagnostic sample submission network (DSSN) where appropriate
Initial training relating to the survey being carried out in Bolikhamxay province was conducted in May 2002. This training was not a particular course as such, but rather a detailed look at/discussion of the research objectives of the Bolikhamxay field study and how we would achieve these objectives. Issues covered included: (i) research plan and expected outputs (ii) information collection and recording (iii) a detailed breakdown of the monthly survey forms was carried out so that provincial and district staff responsible for the survey fully understood what information is collected and (iv) sample collection and submission.

Implementation of CSF preventative and control strategies in village production systems combined with longitudinal studies to measure their effectiveness and sustainability
(a) Swine production and health survey in selected villages of Bolikhamxay province
Baseline surveys were conducted in May 2002 in 8 villages, 4 villages in each of 2 districts, namely Bolikhan and Pakading, to gather information on village demography, pig management, production and health.
On a monthly basis pig production and health data are collected from each village
As yet no major losses of stock have occurred as a result of CSF or other infectious/contagious agents during the course of the survey. However, a laboratory confirmed outbreak of CSF occurred in Nampa village in Bolikhan district approximately 2 months prior to the commencement of the survey, killing more than 100 pigs.
The average birthing rates to date in Bolikhan and Pakading districts are 6 and 5.7 piglets/sow respectively
Approximately 58% of total pigs outgoing from farm (deaths, sales and home consumption) are piglets in the age group 0 '€" 3 months. The break down of information regarding out-of-village sales is on going.
The price per kilo live weight offered to farmers was 6000 kip. Considering the majority of sales are in the age bracket 0 '€" 3 months, farmers are receiving only a few dollars for their stock. There are a number of reasons why this could be the case, (i) market driven (consumers prefer young pig meat), (ii) fear of disease, (iii) not enough feed to hold piglets longer or (iv) a combination of the first 3 points.
Approximately 9% of the production system output is lost to the farmers through death of stock, of this 9%, approximately 79% of deaths occur in stock 0 '€" 3 months of age. Further data analysis is necessary.
Training has been carried out to allow this survey to be conducted.

(b) Maternal transfer of local CSF vaccine derived antibodies in controlled lab based experiments and under less controlled village-based experiments
This study is in progress. 4 laboratory-based pigs have been mated and are pregnant. The first piglets are due to be born in late March 2003. Flooding of the laboratory pens in July '€" September 2002 resulted in an unavoidable delay in commencing this experiment. It is due to be completed within the next three months
Contracts are currently being negotiated with farmers in Nampa village in Bolikhan district to carry out maternal antibody transfer experiments in 4 pregnant sows in the villages. It is expected that piglets will be born in April 2003.

Complete investigations of the epidemiology of recent FMD outbreaks in the north of the Lao PDR
Structured retrospective epidemiological investigations of FMD outbreaks in Luang Namtha and Xieng Khouang provinces of the Lao PDR were carried out in September and October 2002. Outbreaks of FMD had not been previously observed in either of these two provinces. In both locations type O caused the outbreaks that occurred in naïve herds, as farmers in outbreak areas had not previously recognised FMD in their stock. Outbreaks were found to be the result of the introduction of infected stock (Xieng Khouang) and possibly through the importation of contaminated meat (Luang Namtha). The principle mode of spread of the virus once established in both provinces was the within and between village contact of animals and the localised movement and trade of animals. The latter seemed to be exacerbated by the common practice of farmers selling their animals when they become sick and '€œmiddleman'€ traders taking advantage of farmers' willingness to sell their animals at a lower price. The pattern of sale and the movement of animals for this purpose were quite varied between Luang Namtha and Xieng Khouang. The frequency of trade in each province was not determined, however this practice was far more obvious in Xieng Khouang where trade was recognised by farmers as a risk high factor (particularly Nong Het district) and more commonly transcended the bounds of local trade, with animals moving to the Vietnamese border from Paek and Kham districts. The outbreak in Luang Namtha resolved after a few months through animal movement restriction, vaccination and the remoteness and difficulty of the terrain. The outbreak in Xieng Khouang has not yet been resolved (as of Jan 2003 outbreaks are still occurring).
Further investigations and surveillance in Xieng Khouang are planned for May 2003.
During the investigation of FMD in Luang Namtha, it became apparent that a substantial number of buffaloes are transported down the Mekong River from Xoploy in Long district (LN province) to Huay Xay in Bokeo province. These animals are not traded legally and pose a significant threat to Lao, Myanmar and Thailand buffalo, cattle and pig populations. It is planned to carry out an investigation to determine the actual number of animals being traded each month on this route and carry out serological surveillance.

Evaluation of modified serological tests for FMD
Initial tests have been completed. A problem with the rabbit and guinea pig antibodies used in the ELISA were suspected. This has been confirmed and it is expected that this technology will be successfully transferred by June 2003.

Conduct training and refresher courses for district animal health staff involved in the field investigations of CSF vaccination and refresh the diagnostic sample submission network (DSSN) where appropriate
Initial training relating to the survey being carried out in Bolikhamxay province was conducted in May 2002. This training was not a particular course as such, but rather a detailed look at/discussion of the research objectives of the Bolikhamxay field study and how we would achieve these objectives. Issues covered included: (i) research plan and expected outputs (ii) information collection and recording (iii) a detailed breakdown of the monthly survey forms was carried out so that provincial and district staff responsible for the survey fully understood what information is collected and (iv) sample collection and submission.

Implementation of CSF preventative and control strategies in village production systems combined with longitudinal studies to measure their effectiveness and sustainability
(a) Swine production and health survey in selected villages of Bolikhamxay province
Baseline surveys were conducted in May 2002 in 8 villages, 4 villages in each of 2 districts, namely Bolikhan and Pakading, to gather information on village demography, pig management, production and health.
On a monthly basis pig production and health data are collected from each village
As yet no major losses of stock have occurred as a result of CSF or other infectious/contagious agents during the course of the survey. However, a laboratory confirmed outbreak of CSF occurred in Nampa village in Bolikhan district approximately 2 months prior to the commencement of the survey, killing more than 100 pigs.
The average birthing rates to date in Bolikhan and Pakading districts are 6 and 5.7 piglets/sow respectively
Approximately 58% of total pigs outgoing from farm (deaths, sales and home consumption) are piglets in the age group 0 '€" 3 months. The break down of information regarding out-of-village sales is on going.
The price per kilo live weight offered to farmers was 6000 kip. Considering the majority of sales are in the age bracket 0 '€" 3 months, farmers are receiving only a few dollars for their stock. There are a number of reasons why this could be the case, (i) market driven (consumers prefer young pig meat), (ii) fear of disease, (iii) not enough feed to hold piglets longer or (iv) a combination of the first 3 points.
Approximately 9% of the production system output is lost to the farmers through death of stock, of this 9%, approximately 79% of deaths occur in stock 0 '€" 3 months of age. Further data analysis is necessary.
Training has been carried out to allow this survey to be conducted.

(b) Maternal transfer of local CSF vaccine derived antibodies in controlled lab based experiments and under less controlled village-based experiments
This study is in progress. 4 laboratory-based pigs have been mated and are pregnant. The first piglets are due to be born in late March 2003. Flooding of the laboratory pens in July '€" September 2002 resulted in an unavoidable delay in commencing this experiment. It is due to be completed within the next three months
Contracts are currently being negotiated with farmers in Nampa village in Bolikhan district to carry out maternal antibody transfer experiments in 4 pregnant sows in the villages. It is expected that piglets will be born in April 2003.

Complete investigations of the epidemiology of recent FMD outbreaks in the north of the Lao PDR
Structured retrospective epidemiological investigations of FMD outbreaks in Luang Namtha and Xieng Khouang provinces of the Lao PDR were carried out in September and October 2002. Outbreaks of FMD had not been previously observed in either of these two provinces. In both locations type O caused the outbreaks that occurred in naïve herds, as farmers in outbreak areas had not previously recognised FMD in their stock. Outbreaks were found to be the result of the introduction of infected stock (Xieng Khouang) and possibly through the importation of contaminated meat (Luang Namtha). The principle mode of spread of the virus once established in both provinces was the within and between village contact of animals and the localised movement and trade of animals. The latter seemed to be exacerbated by the common practice of farmers selling their animals when they become sick and '€œmiddleman'€ traders taking advantage of farmers' willingness to sell their animals at a lower price. The pattern of sale and the movement of animals for this purpose were quite varied between Luang Namtha and Xieng Khouang. The frequency of trade in each province was not determined, however this practice was far more obvious in Xieng Khouang where trade was recognised by farmers as a risk high factor (particularly Nong Het district) and more commonly transcended the bounds of local trade, with animals moving to the Vietnamese border from Paek and Kham districts. The outbreak in Luang Namtha resolved after a few months through animal movement restriction, vaccination and the remoteness and difficulty of the terrain. The outbreak in Xieng Khouang has not yet been resolved (as of Jan 2003 outbreaks are still occurring).
Further investigations and surveillance in Xieng Khouang are planned for May 2003.
During the investigation of FMD in Luang Namtha, it became apparent that a substantial number of buffaloes are transported down the Mekong River from Xoploy in Long district (LN province) to Huay Xay in Bokeo province. These animals are not traded legally and pose a significant threat to Lao, Myanmar and Thailand buffalo, cattle and pig populations. It is planned to carry out an investigation to determine the actual number of animals being traded each month on this route and carry out serological surveillance.

Evaluation of modified serological tests for FMD
Initial tests have been completed. A problem with the rabbit and guinea pig antibodies used in the ELISA were suspected. This has been confirmed and it is expected that this technology will be successfully transferred by June 2003.

Conduct training and refresher courses for district animal health staff involved in the field investigations of CSF vaccination and refresh the diagnostic sample submission network (DSSN) where appropriate
Initial training relating to the survey being carried out in Bolikhamxay province was conducted in May 2002. This training was not a particular course as such, but rather a detailed look at/discussion of the research objectives of the Bolikhamxay field study and how we would achieve these objectives. Issues covered included: (i) research plan and expected outputs (ii) information collection and recording (iii) a detailed breakdown of the monthly survey forms was carried out so that provincial and district staff responsible for the survey fully understood what information is collected and (iv) sample collection and submission.

Implementation of CSF preventative and control strategies in village production systems combined with longitudinal studies to measure their effectiveness and sustainability
(a) Swine production and health survey in selected villages of Bolikhamxay province
Baseline surveys were conducted in May 2002 in 8 villages, 4 villages in each of 2 districts, namely Bolikhan and Pakading, to gather information on village demography, pig management, production and health.
On a monthly basis pig production and health data are collected from each village
As yet no major losses of stock have occurred as a result of CSF or other infectious/contagious agents during the course of the survey. However, a laboratory confirmed outbreak of CSF occurred in Nampa village in Bolikhan district approximately 2 months prior to the commencement of the survey, killing more than 100 pigs.
The average birthing rates to date in Bolikhan and Pakading districts are 6 and 5.7 piglets/sow respectively
Approximately 58% of total pigs outgoing from farm (deaths, sales and home consumption) are piglets in the age group 0 '€

Implementation of CSF preventative and control strategies in village production systems combined with longitudinal studies to measure their effectiveness and sustainability
(a) Swine production and health survey in selected villages of Bolikhamxay province
Baseline surveys were conducted in May 2002 in 8 villages, 4 villages in each of 2 districts, namely Bolikhan and Pakading, to gather information on village demography, pig management, production and health.
On a monthly basis pig production and health data are collected from each village
As yet no major losses of stock have occurred as a result of CSF or other infectious/contagious agents during the course of the survey. However, a laboratory confirmed outbreak of CSF occurred in Nampa village in Bolikhan district approximately 2 months prior to the commencement of the survey, killing more than 100 pigs.
The average birthing rates to date in Bolikhan and Pakading districts are 6 and 5.7 piglets/sow respectively
Approximately 58% of total pigs outgoing from farm (deaths, sales and home consumption) are piglets in the age group 0 - 3 months. The break down of information regarding out-of-village sales is on going.
The price per kilo live weight offered to farmers was 6000 kip. Considering the majority of sales are in the age bracket 0 - 3 months, farmers are receiving only a few dollars for their stock. There are a number of reasons why this could be the case, (i) market driven (consumers prefer young pig meat), (ii) fear of disease, (iii) not enough feed to hold piglets longer or (iv) a combination of the first 3 points.
Approximately 9% of the production system output is lost to the farmers through death of stock, of this 9%, approximately 79% of deaths occur in stock 0 - 3 months of age. Further data analysis is necessary.
Training has been carried out to allow this survey to be conducted.

(b) Maternal transfer of local CSF vaccine derived antibodies in controlled lab based experiments and under less controlled village-based experiments
This study is in progress. 4 laboratory-based pigs have been mated and are pregnant. The first piglets are due to be born in late March 2003. Flooding of the laboratory pens in July - September 2002 resulted in an unavoidable delay in commencing this experiment. It is due to be completed within the next three months
Contracts are currently being negotiated with farmers in Nampa village in Bolikhan district to carry out maternal antibody transfer experiments in 4 pregnant sows in the villages. It is expected that piglets will be born in April 2003.

Complete investigations of the epidemiology of recent FMD outbreaks in the north of the Lao PDR
Structured retrospective epidemiological investigations of FMD outbreaks in Luang Namtha and Xieng Khouang provinces of the Lao PDR were carried out in September and October 2002. Outbreaks of FMD had not been previously observed in either of these two provinces. In both locations type O caused the outbreaks that occurred in nave herds, as farmers in outbreak areas had not previously recognised FMD in their stock. Outbreaks were found to be the result of the introduction of infected stock (Xieng Khouang) and possibly through the importation of contaminated meat (Luang Namtha). The principle mode of spread of the virus once established in both provinces was the within and between village contact of animals and the localised movement and trade of animals. The latter seemed to be exacerbated by the common practice of farmers selling their animals when they become sick and "middleman" traders taking advantage of farmers' willingness to sell their animals at a lower price. The pattern of sale and the movement of animals for this purpose were quite varied between Luang Namtha and Xieng Khouang. The frequency of trade in each province was not determined, however this practice was far more obvious in Xieng Khouang where trade was recognised by farmers as a risk high factor (particularly Nong Het district) and more commonly transcended the bounds of local trade, with animals moving to the Vietnamese border from Paek and Kham districts. The outbreak in Luang Namtha resolved after a few months through animal movement restriction, vaccination and the remoteness and difficulty of the terrain. The outbreak in Xieng Khouang has not yet been resolved (as of Jan 2003 outbreaks are still occurring).
Further investigations and surveillance in Xieng Khouang are planned for May 2003.
During the investigation of FMD in Luang Namtha, it became apparent that a substantial number of buffaloes are transported down the Mekong River from Xoploy in Long district (LN province) to Huay Xay in Bokeo province. These animals are not traded legally and pose a significant threat to Lao, Myanmar and Thailand buffalo, cattle and pig populations. It is planned to carry out an investigation to determine the actual number of animals being traded each month on this route and carry out serological surveillance.

Evaluation of modified serological tests for FMD
Initial tests have been completed. A problem with the rabbit and guinea pig antibodies used in the ELISA were suspected. This has been confirmed and it is expected that this technology will be successfully transferred by June 2003.

Conduct training and refresher courses for district animal health staff involved in the field investigations of CSF vaccination and refresh the diagnostic sample submission network (DSSN) where appropriate
Initial training relating to the survey being carried out in Bolikhamxay province was conducted in May 2002. This training was not a particular course as such, but rather a detailed look at/discussion of the research objectives of the Bolikhamxay field study and how we would achieve these objectives. Issues covered included: (i) research plan and expected outputs (ii) information collection and recording (iii) a detailed breakdown of the monthly survey forms was carried out so that provincial and district staff responsible for the survey fully understood what information is collected and (iv) sample collection and submission.