ARTICLE FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE July 2022 61 The ASFV titration assay showed that organic acids and the selected plant ingredients reduced the viral titer in the feed already after 24 hours (Figure 1). By day three, the viral HAD50 titers in all samples treated with either the plant extracts or combinations thereof were below the detection limit of 1.5 log10HAD50/ml. With the organic acid treatment, it took seven days to achieve the same result. In a second test, PCR assays were used to determine the presence of viral DNA after one, three and seven days. After three days, virtually no viral DNA could be detected with Anta®Shield, while, again, it took seven days in the organic acid group (Figure 2). These results show that the AFS virus stays viable in untreated pig feed for several days. After seven days the viral load was still high enough to potentially cause infection in swine. However, we also saw that mitigating additives can reduce viral load and infectivity in feed. Each of the tested plant extracts showed greater efficacy than the organic acid treatment in the comparison group. Most effective was the natural feed formulation Anta®Shield, reducing infectivity by more than 99% in the first 24 hours. In practical terms, this translates into a significant reduction in the risk of infection through feed. The synergistic activity of the chosen ingredients makes the phytogenic feed formulation Anta®Shield especially effective already at low dosages. CONCLUSION Feed can play a role in transmission of African Swine Fever Virus. Natural, plant-based formulations such as Anta®Shield can be part of the solution to avoid the transmission of ASFV via the feed route. This is a small but still important part in a comprehensive biosecurity plan to prevent the further spreading of ASF. About Dr. Elisabeth Holl Dr. Elisabeth Holl, an agronomist holding a doctorate in agricultural engineering, has been at Dr. Eckel for more than 20 years and knows the company inside out. The Technical Sales Manager is the point of contact for a large number of our products and can provide help in a variety of matters due to her broad expert knowledge. About Niku Moussavi Biuki Niku Moussavi Biuki, a pharmacy graduate, has been involved in product development at Dr. Eckel since 2016. Figure 2: Anta®Shield reduces viral concentration faster than organic acids
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