Building sustainable diagnostic capacity for eradication of African Swine Fever in Ghana

This project aims to mitigate the threat of African Swine Fever being acquired and used as a bioterrorism agent. It does so by providing specialized training in using the biosafety level 3 modular laboratory to personnel at the veterinary laboratory in Takoradi Ghana for the safe handling and proper storage of clinical samples and rapid detection of African Swine Fever. Project activities include: (1) conducting a gap analysis of biosecurity capacity at the laboratory; (2) acquiring and delivering laboratory equipment and consumables to the laboratory; (3) acquiring and delivering diagnostics and training of laboratory personnel on their correct use; and (4) conducting an epidemiological study of African Swine Fever and related antibodies.

The expected outcomes of this project include: (1) improved safety and accuracy of African Swine Fever diagnostic testing in Ghana; and (2) strengthened application of best practices related to molecular epidemiology in sample testing for African Swine Fever in Ghana.