Transboundary Emerging and Exotic Animal Disease/ Exotic Animal Disease Practice Exam

How is senecavirus A primarily diagnosed?

1. Serum neutralization test

2. RT-PCR

3. ELISA test

4. Necropsy findings

The correct answer is: RT-PCR

Senecavirus A (SVA) is primarily diagnosed through RT-PCR (Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction). This technique is highly sensitive and specific, allowing for the detection of viral RNA in samples from infected animals. RT-PCR is particularly valuable because it can identify the virus even during the early stages of infection when antibody responses may not yet be detectable, thus providing a timely diagnosis. The RT-PCR method enables clinicians and veterinarians to quickly confirm the presence of the virus in clinical specimens, such as tissue samples or swabs, facilitating prompt management and control measures to prevent the spread of the disease. Given SVA's significance in causing vesicular diseases in pigs, accurate and rapid diagnosis is crucial for effective outbreak response and monitoring. Other diagnostic methods, such as serum neutralization tests and ELISA, are useful but tend to be more relevant for detecting immune responses rather than the actual presence of the virus during the acute phase of the disease. Necropsy findings can provide supportive evidence, but they are primarily used for post-mortem evaluation rather than initial diagnosis. Thus, RT-PCR remains the standard for diagnosing Senecavirus A.