Division 6

Quality control on sensitivity and specificity of each batch of an ELISA must be regularly performed by the national F1laboratory, making use of F2a panel of reference sera F3.... This panel shall include:

• sera from pigs in the early phase of classical swine fever virus infection (before 21 days post infection);

• sera from convalescent pigs (after 21 days post infection);

• sera from pigs infected with ruminant pestiviruses.

The ELISA to be used for the serological diagnosis of classical swine fever must recognise all reference sera from the convalescent pigs. All results obtained with the reference sera must be repeatable. It is further recommended that they detect all positive sera from the early phase and to show a minimum of cross-reactions with the sera from pigs infected with ruminant pestiviruses.

The results obtained with the reference sera from pigs in the early phase of infection give an indication of the sensitivity of the ELISA.