Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development 
Completion Report1 
Development of an Improved Capability in 
support of National Bio-security for the 
Surveillance and Control of Foot & Mouth 
Disease in Cattle and Pigs. 
Chris Morrissy 
1
 Submitted July 2010 
Table of Contents 
1. Institute Information ____________________________________________ 1 
2. Project Abstract _______________________________________________ 2 
3. Executive Summary ____________________________________________ 2 
4. Introduction & Background ______________________________________ 4 
4.1 Objectives of the project ___________________________________________ 4 
4.2 Implementation Approach and Strategy ______________________________ 4 
5. Progress to Date _______________________________________________ 5 
5.1 Implementation Highlights _______________________________________ 5 
5.2 Smallholder Benefits ________________________________________ 7 
5.3 Capacity Building ___________________________________________ 7 
5.4 Publicity __________________________________________________ 8 
5.5 Project Management ________________________________________ 8 
6. Report on Cross-Cutting Issues __________________________________ 9 
6.1 Environment _______________________________________________ 9 
6.2 Gender and Social Issues ____________________________________ 9 
7. Implementation & Sustainability Issues ____________________________ 9 
7.1 Issues and Constraints ______________________________________ 9 
7.2 Options ___________________________________________________ 9 
7.3 Sustainability _____________________________________________ 10 
8. Next Critical Steps ____________________________________________ 10 
9. Conclusions__________________________________________________ 11 
9.1 Acknowledgements ______________________________________________ 12 
10. Statuatory Declaration _________________________________________ 14 
11. Project progress against proposed objectives, outputs, activities and 
inputs ____ ___________________________________________________16 
 1 
1. Institute Information 
Project Name CARD FMD [072/04VIE] 
Vietnamese Institution Regional Animal Health Office (RAHO-6) 
Ho Chi Minh City 
South Vietnam 
Vietnamese Project Team Leader Dr Dong Manh Hoa 
Australian Organisation Australian Animal Health Laboratory [AAHL] Private Bag 24 
Geelong, VIC 3220 
Australia 
Australian Personnel Mr Chris Morrissy 
Date commenced 01/06/2005 
Completion date (original) 01/06/2008 
Completion date (revised) 
Reporting period Project Completion Report 
Contact Officer(s) 
In Australia: Team Leader 
Name: Mr Chris Morrissy Telephone: +61 3 5227 5000 
Position: Supervisor Mammalian Virology Fax: +61 3 5227 5555 
Organisation Australian Animal Health 
Laboratory [AAHL] 
Private Bag 24 
Geelong, VIC 3220, 
Australia 
Email: 
[email protected] 
In Australia: Administrative Contact 
Name: Mr Christopher Morrissy Telephone: +61 3 5227 5434 
Position: Patents Contracts Officer Fax: +61 3 5227 5555 
Organisation Australian Animal Health 
Laboratory [AAHL] 
Private Bag 24 
Geelong, VIC 3220 
Australia 
Email: christopher.morrissy@
csiro.au 
In Vietnam 
Name: Dr Dong Manh Hoa Telephone: + 84 8 8568220 
Position: Director Fax: + 84 8 8569050 
Organisation Regional Animal Health Office 
(RAHO-6) 
Ho Chi Minh City 
South Vietnam 
Email: 
[email protected] 
 2 
2. Project Abstract 
The aims of this project were to develop capacity for FMD diagnosis, surveillance 
and control at both a laboratory and field level within the wider animal health network 
in Vietnam. Improved diagnostic capacity will facilitate early detection and identification 
of FMD enabling better disease control. Specifically, successful capacity development 
at regional laboratories will enable quality assured laboratory capability for FMDV 
diagnosis and serology. This will be applied to the investigation of FMDV serotypes 
currently in circulation, vaccination coverage/response and the elucidation of on-
going suspected FMD vaccine failures in Vietnam. In addition, the successful 
establishment of an effective laboratory network for the diagnosis and control of 
FMD will provide a greater understanding of FMD epidemiology and will facilitate the 
coordination and implementation of effective vaccination control strategies via the 
wider animal health network in Vietnam. 
3. Executive Summary 
On completion, this project has realised all laboratory-based objectives at a national 
level. However, due to the lack of epidemiology support and the diversion of DAH 
resources to deal with outbreaks of AI and PRRSV, field-dependent objectives were 
only achieved to a varying extent throughout Vietnam as a whole. Nevertheless all 
project objectives were fully realised and with great effect in southern Vietnam. 
Despite considerable achievements on a regional basis, this project clearly 
demonstrates the consequences of not having a fully integrated FMD diagnostic and 
surveillance network at a national level. In relation to FMD capacity development 
and sustainability, one of the primary aims of this project was to “highlight the 
importance of having an integrated laboratory network to identify what is happening 
in the field and how to prevent and control outbreaks”. This project on a national 
scale was undoubtedly ambitious. Indeed this was the intention and in this respect 
the project has been highly effective. For example, the considerable success 
achieved in southern Vietnam has highlighted RAHO-6 as an exemplar to DAH. In 
addition, the success achieved by RAHO-6 will act as an impetus to other regional 
offices in relation to the requirement for closer integration and clear, effective, two-
way communication between laboratory and field-based personnel. 
During the course of the project there was a clear improvement and advances in 
both laboratory and field-based activities for the diagnosis and control of FMD. The 
AAHL Scientific Coordinator has mentored and liaised extensively with four 
diagnostic laboratories; RAHO-6 [HCMC]; NCVD [Hanoi]; RAHO-7 [Can Tho]; 
RAHO-4 [Da Nang] and one research laboratory, NAVETCO [HCMC]. As a result of 
successful capacity development and technology transfer from AAHL the RAHO-6 
and NCVD laboratories now possess comprehensive, quality assured capabilities to 
diagnose FMD and perform sero-surveillance. In addition, both laboratories are 
capable of performing FMD virus isolation, virus neutralisation, ELISAs, PCR and 
sequencing/genotyping for the characterisation of FMD field isolates. All FMD 
laboratory diagnostic capabilities have been subject to internal quality assurance 
following on-site appraisal by the AAHL Scientific Coordinator using reference 
reagents supplied by AAHL and also external quality assurance using PT Panels 
from both AAHL and the FMD Regional Reference Laboratory in Thailand as 
detailed in earlier Milestone reports. This has resulted in the recognition of both 
RAHO-6 and NCVD as FMD Reference Laboratories in Vietnam. 
 3 
In addition, quality assured FMD diagnostic capability in the form of the AAHL FMD 
Ag ELISA [for the detection of virus] and both the AAHL FMD C-ELISA and LP-
ELISA [for post-vaccination surveillance] have been successfully established at both 
RAHO-4, RAHO-7 and NAVETCO. 
Following the establishment of comprehensive FMD diagnostic, virus isolation and 
serotyping capability at RAHO-6 tests have been implemented with both zeal and 
determination and of particular significance, with a long-term strategic vision. For 
example, the isolation and propagation of FMD serotypes in cell culture has been 
used by RAHO-6 to produce their own FMD antigens for in-house ELISA use and 
are distributing this antigen for use in other regional laboratories in Vietnam. In 
addition, ongoing sero-surveillance, vaccine efficacy monitoring and the serotyping 
of FMD field isolates has facilitated the evidence-based selection of the most 
appropriate FMD vaccine serotype composition and the identification of disease 
incursions from adjacent countries. 
As detailed in earlier Milestone Reports, central to the achievement of project 
objectives in regions such as southern Vietnam was the close integration of 
laboratory and field-based activities. Overall, there was a significant improvement in 
the amount of data and quality of field specimens submitted to the laboratories over 
each surveillance round. This reflected a greater appreciation of the importance of 
high quality field data and clinical specimens for FMD surveillance and control by 
regional laboratories. The realisation of project objectives in regions such as 
southern Vietnam was greatly facilitated by the leadership, focus and vision of the 
main collaborating laboratory / office, RAHO-6. In particular, the establishment and 
support of an epidemiological unit at RAHO-6 as a result of this project has greatly 
assisted in the training of epidemiologists and field veterinarians in FMD sero-
surveillance, outbreak control and disease investigation including vaccine failure. 
During the course of this project, this closer integration, collaboration and 
communication between RAHO-6 laboratory / office and field personnel in southern 
Vietnam has facilitated the acquisition of the necessary high quality field data and 
clinical specimens. This highly effective two-way integration has resulted in an every 
decreasing incidence of FMD outbreaks in southern Vietnam with only one isolated 
outbreak being detected in the 2009-2010 reporting period. This significant 
achievement has been noted by DAH, attests to the effectiveness of the project 
implementation approach, and highlights the successful RAHO-6 “lab-to-field” and 
“field-to-lab” integration as an exemplar to other regional laboratories / offices. 
Sero-surveillance and epidemiological studies have enabled the acquisition of 
important data in relation to vaccine coverage, the serotyping of FMD field isolates 
and the prevalence of FMD infection in Vietnam. This data has enabled driven 
science-based changes in vaccine recommendations to be made with great effect in 
the field. This project has not only been of benefit to Vietnam but has also lead to a 
greater knowledge and understanding of circulating FMDV genotypes and the 
benefits of sero-surveillance for the whole region. In acknowledgement of the 
significance of this work, project participants have been invited to a number of 
regional [SEAFMD LabNet 2010; SEAFMD LMWG 2008] and international meetings 
[EU-FMD; OIE Subcommittee 2010] to present Vietnam’s highly effective 
implementation strategy for the control of FMD. Of particular significance, it should 
be noted that as a result of this project Vietnam is recognised internationally as 
model example to other counties in the region in relation to the successful 
implementation of FMD diagnostic tests, sero-surveillance, outbreak investigations 
and disease control. 
 4 
4. Introduction & Background 
4.1 Objectives of the project: 
1. To establish an effective laboratory network for the diagnosis and control of 
FMD by the provision of resources and training of staff in required methods 
and quality assurance. 
2. To provide accurate data to explain failure of vaccination to control FMDV 
and to develop new effective vaccine application strategies. 
Completing these objectives will improve the diagnostic capability of veterinary 
laboratories in Vietnam and achieve training of DAH veterinarians in disease 
investigation and control. This will strengthen both the role and the profile of DAH 
which will play a vital role in making Vietnam more economically competitive. In 
addition, improved animal health will lead to an increase in rural productivity though 
increased animal production. Healthy animals will enable small farmers to be more 
competitive in the local market and the control of FMD will reduce poor farmers’ 
vulnerability to FMD outbreaks and result in a more stable income stream. 
Establishing a diagnostic network which extends from the North to South Vietnam, 
from the laboratory to the farm level, reinforced by training and education, will give 
Vietnam a more integrated animal health network and greatly facilitate disease 
control. This will directly increase the competitiveness and productivity of the 
national agricultural system which includes the major areas of concern including the 
Mekong Delta and the Central Coast. 
4.2 Implementation Approach and Strategy 
The approach for technology transfer is well established at AAHL and has been 
successfully applied in previous projects in Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia. The 
project approach used was also thought to be the most appropriate for developing 
an understanding of FMD epidemiology in Vietnam. All studies were designed in 
conjunction with DAH with the aim to provide the critical information in relation to 
current FMD status in Vietnam and the effectiveness of FMD vaccine usage in the 
field. The diagnostic technologies that will be used in this approach are the standard 
OIE diagnostic tests in use throughout the world to study, control and eradicate 
FMD. 
AAHL has extensive experience in FMD technology transfer and capacity 
development including the implementation of field surveys for the measurement of 
the prevalence of antibodies against FMD such as earlier ACIAR projects in Laos 
and Thailand. 
 5 
5. Progress to Date 
5.1 Implementation Highlights [Upon Project Completion] 
The main achievements of the project were: 
• Successful capacity development for the diagnosis, surveillance and 
control of FMD in Vietnam. Specifically, the following quality assured 
FMD diagnostics were established in the collaborating laboratories: 
 RAHO6 and NCVD laboratories have established comprehensive cell 
culture, virus isolation, virus neutralisation test, ELISA, PCR, 
sequencing/genotyping capability 
• It should be noted that both RAHO-6 and NCVD have achieved 
FMD Reference Laboratory status in Vietnam 
 RAHO4, RAHO7 and NAVETCO laboratories also have the capability 
for FMD diagnosis and serology by ELISA for post-vaccination 
surveillance 
 All laboratories in the project are able to utilise the AAHL LP-ELISA, C-
ELISA and 3ABC ELISA to establish the sero-prevalence of FMD in 
herds and vaccine coverage post-vaccination 
 All laboratories have implemented an in-house Quality Assurance 
system to monitor the accuracy of test results 
• The project has both driven and inspired an increase in collaboration 
between the Vietnamese laboratories and helped nurture a more 
integrated animal health laboratory network 
 This will be essential not only for the control of FMD and has since been 
applied to other animal diseases such as resent PRRSV outbreaks in 
Vietnam 
• Improvement in the quality and number of samples submitted to the 
laboratory for serotyping by ELISA. 
 The closer integration of laboratory and field-based personnel, e.g. as 
achieved by RAHO-6, combined with improved diagnostic capacity and 
capability throughout Vietnam has led to the serotyping of a greater 
number of clinical specimens at both RAHO-6 and NCVD 
 In addition, the significant improvement in sample collection and 
specimen submission has allowed virus isolation from field samples. 
This was not been possible prior to the initiation of this project and of 
particular significance has enabled genotyping of FMDV field isolates 
 This has enabled DAH to achieve a greater understanding of the 
serotypes of FMD viruses circulating in Vietnam and provided essential 
baseline data in relation to the future control of FMD throughout Vietnam 
 6 
• Genotyping and analysis of approx. 100 Vietnamese FMD field isolates 
collected from 2006 onwards 
 Genotyping data was detailed in Appendix 1 of the earlier Milestone 3 
report 
 Sequence data was sent to WRL for additional confirmation and 
comparison to other FMD isolates 
 This information was shared with SEAFMD as part of the regional 
project to control FMD 
 Genotyping has elucidated the reason underlying vaccine failures in the 
field and has successfully established capability in Vietnam to determine 
the source of a FMD outbreak and to make evidence-based decisions in 
relation to whether the current vaccine serotype compositions are 
appropriate. 
 Genotyping, combined with the ability to carry out VNT for determining 
antigenic variation of field isolates, has enabled Vietnamese laboratories 
to investigate future vaccine failures 
 Of particular significance, this has already resulted in the elucidation of 
vaccine failures in the field as a result of inappropriate vaccine 
composition usage as detailed in the earlier Milestone 8 Report 
• Standard forms and protocols for collection of field data and trained field 
veterinarians in how to carry out disease investigation for control of 
disease and vaccine failure 
• A model approach for a program to control FMD with a strong laboratory 
and field component 
• Throughout the project AAHL consultants have mentored and liaised 
extensively with collaborating laboratories to achieve the following: 
 Established a comprehensive portfolio of internally and externally quality 
assured FMD diagnostic techniques at the newly established FMD 
Reference Laboratories at RAHO-6 and NCVD and related quality 
assured FMD ELISAs at all participating laboratories 
 Appraised quality assurance records and data collection under in-house 
QA systems to ensure test records were being maintained and results 
were interpreted correctly 
 Established and appraised cell culture and virus isolation capability for 
growth of FMD isolates from the field which has enabled further 
genotyping of FMD field isolates 
 Validated an in-house ELISA using FMD antigen produced at RAHO-6 
using Vietnam isolates. The production and supply of this antigen to 
other laboratories facilitates future sustainability 
 Established and appraised molecular techniques to ensure best practice 
workflow for FMD diagnostic PCR under local conditions 
 Provided advice on the design and format of sample submission, data 
collection forms and outbreak investigation surveys to facilitate the 
acquisition of high quality field data and specimen submissions 
 Analysed and interpreted field and laboratory data 
 7 
 Supplied consumables, reference IQC reagents and EQA PT reagents 
to confirm successful establishment of quality assured FMD diagnostic 
tests 
 On-going appraisal of laboratory quality assurance procedures and 
advice in relation to individual laboratory quality assurance manuals and 
SOPs 
5.2 Smallholder Benefits 
All pig and cattle and producers are potential beneficiaries. To date, revised vaccine 
recommendations, made based on the serotyping and genotyping of Vietnamese 
FMDV field isolates have already resulted in improved vaccine strategies in the field 
and during the course of this project has facilitated a significant reduction in the 
incidence of FMD outbreaks in Vietnam. On-going FMD surveillance, serotyping 
and genotyping of field isolates will continue to improve the effectiveness of tailored 
vaccination strategies in the field in Vietnam. This will continue to be of financial 
benefit to small farmers through reduced losses due disease in their cattle and pigs. 
DAH personnel, district veterinarians and farmers have gained improved knowledge 
and appreciation with regard to the selection of the most appropriate vaccine 
serotype[s] composition which will improve the efficacy of vaccination and the 
realisation of long-term goals in relation to the control o