Abu Dhabi: The first-ever peste des petits ruminants (PPR) serology proficiency exam for camels was completed by the ADAFSA Collaborating Centre for Camel Diseases, marking an important worldwide milestone.
This examination is a component of an innovative initiative run by the Center in association with the French International Reference Laboratory for the Peste des Petits Ruminants (CIRAD).
To validate techniques for identifying PPR virus antibodies in camels, this is the first global endeavor to evaluate the performance of this kind of investigation. This will make serological surveys easier to conduct and help identify any potential involvement camels may have in the infection of small ruminants.
Seven laboratories from various nations participated in the program’s first round, which will yield information on the efficacy and precision of PPR antibody detection techniques in camels.
Asma Abdi Mohamed, Director of the Biosecurity Affairs Division at ADAFSA, said that, “This achievement represents a major step forward for the Centre in supporting global efforts to eradicate PPR by 2030. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with CIRAD and all the participating laboratories to make further progress in this area”.
The Collaborating institute for Camel illnesses at ADAFSA is a specialized institute that offers sophisticated diagnostic, research, and training services for camel illnesses. It works in partnership with top worldwide universities in the area.
The Center was designated as the World Organization for Animal Health’s (WOAH) scientific research arm on camel illnesses in the Middle East in May 2022.
This distinction was attained by improving specialized laboratory diagnostic skills in the field of camel illnesses, which fortifies the regional response to crises involving new and zoonotic animal diseases. The Center’s scientific and technological efforts have culminated in this recognition, which solidifies Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s leadership positions in the biosecurity sector.