Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development 
Competency Assessment Report§ 
Development of Improved Capability in 
Support of National Biosecurity for the 
Surveillance and Control of Foot & Mouth 
Disease in Cattle and Pigs 
Milestone 10 
Competency assessment of laboratory staff and field 
veterinarians in Sub-DAHs: Increased awareness and 
implementation of recommended practices by farmers in 
target areas 
Chris Morrissy 
§ Milestone 10 Resubmission, June 2010 
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Table of Contents 
1. Institute Information ____________________________________________ 2 
2. Project Abstract _______________________________________________ 3 
3. Executive Summary ____________________________________________ 3 
4. Progress to date _______________________________________________ 4 
4.1 Implementation Highlights [Competency Assessment]____________ 4 
5. Conclusions __________________________________________________ 7 
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1. Institute Information 
Project Name CARD FMD [072/04VIE] 
Vietnamese Institution Regional Animal Health Centre (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 3 year Reporting Period 
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@csi
ro.au 
In Vietnam 
Name: Dr Dong Manh Hoa Telephone: + 84 8 8568220 
Position: Director Fax: + 84 8 8569050 
Organisation Regional Animal Health 
Centre (RAHO-6) 
Ho Chi Minh City 
South Vietnam 
Email: 
[email protected] 
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2. Project Abstract 
The aims of this project were to develop capacity for FMD surveillance and diagnosis 
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 and the reason underlying on-going 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 
Significant progress has been made in relation to both achievement in the laboratory 
and realisation in the field of Milestone 10 objectives. Specifically, this project has 
successfully achieved capacity development in relation to the establishment of quality 
assured FMD diagnostics at multiple laboratories in Vietnam. Throughout the course 
of this project both the quality of field data and the integrity of specimen submissions 
showed continuous improvement. This is an excellent example of successful 
capability development and quality assurance in the laboratory being the driving force 
behind more effective training and education of field veterinarians in relation to FMD 
management practices in the field. This greater integration and coordination within 
the entire FMD animal health network in Vietnam has resulted in both effective 
capability and capacity to perform serological surveillance studies and related quality 
assured FMD laboratory diagnostic tests. In relation to sustainability, this project has 
successfully established all of the core competencies required within the wider 
animal health network for the successful implementation of on-going FMD 
serosurveillance studies. This will significantly aid the DAH gain a better 
understanding of both the numbers of animals exposed to FMD and already has 
generated important data in relation to vaccination coverage in the field. 
As a result of successful capacity development, and subsequent quality assurance of 
implemented FMD diagnostic tests, both the RAHO-6 and NCVD laboratories have 
achieved FMD Reference Laboratory status in Vietnam. Specifically, the RAHO-6 
laboratory has quality assured FMD diagnostic capability using all of the tests 
available for the diagnosis of FMD - equivalent to tests used by AAHL and other 
international reference laboratories. This was confirmed following on-site appraisal 
by AAHL personnel and further substantiated following both IQC and ECQ using an 
FMD proficiency test panel from both AAHL and also the Regional Reference 
Laboratory in Thailand. In a wider context, RAHO-4, RAHO-7 and NAVETCO also 
have the capability to perform FMD ELISAS for the detection of antigen and antibody 
giving these laboratories the capability to diagnose FMD. 
In relation to the integration of FMD diagnostics within the wider animal health 
network, since its inception the RAHO-6 epidemiology section have been highly 
proactive in engaging and training provincial veterinarians and field staff. Proof of 
this was the dramatic improvement in sample and data collection at RAHO-6 during 
the course of this project. However, the other collaborating laboratories have no 
epidemiology staff (such as at NCVD) and this inherently results in lower quality field 
data. This represents a fundamental limitation in relation to the realisation of long-
term project objectives in some regions of Vietnam. 
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4. Progress to Date [In relation to Milestone 10 Deliverables] 
4.1 Implementation Highlights [Competency Assessment] 
An overview of training activities conducted at AAHL and both on-site training and 
appraisal by AAHL personnel in Vietnam were outlined in earlier Milestone Reports. 
In this “Competence Appraisal” report details of competence assessment and 
appraisal are given in relation to each of the Milestone deliverables. In addition, each 
of the specific comments made by the Referees in the earlier Milestone 10 Appraisal 
Report are addressed and further substantiated. 
• Training manuals for veterinarians and farmers 
This milestone will be split into two parts. Firstly, training manuals specifically 
targeted for field veterinarians and secondly technical standard operating procedures 
and data collection sheets for laboratory-based veterinarians and related personnel. 
• Training manuals [Field-based] 
The AAHL Scientific Coordinator has inputted into the OIE / FAO “Outbreak 
Investigation Manual” which represents perhaps the most detailed and 
comprehensive training resource for livestock veterinarian network members. This 
manual is targeted primarily at field veterinarians and focuses on both FMD and CSF. 
It is intended as a guide to assist field veterinarians to investigate and manage 
disease outbreaks and on effective relationship management with both farmers in the 
field and also laboratory personnel. This step-by-step guide is supported by 
background information on why outbreaks occur; the epidemiology and clinical signs; 
reporting procedures; sample collection; laboratory submission and control 
measures. This manual has been used by the OIE/FAO for several field veterinarian 
disease investigation training workshops in Vietnam. Although currently still at the 
“Draft” stage with the OIE / FAO Sub-Committee the manual will be published in due 
course. 
• Training manuals [Laboratory-based] 
Details of training inputs both at AAHL and on-site training and appraisal by AAHL 
personnel in Vietnam have been detailed in earlier Milestone reports. In relation to 
FMD diagnostics and capacity development, the following AAHL standard operating 
procedures and methods were successfully established in the collaborating 
laboratories under their in-house quality assurance systems. Specifically, a quality 
system was implemented in each laboratory for FMD diagnostics, which included 
standardised methods, IQC and record keeping compliance. The results of inter-
laboratory comparisons and EQA will be detailed later in this Milestone report. 
• RAHO-6 and the NCVD laboratories have established quality assured FMD 
cell culture, virus isolation, virus neutralisation and FMD RT-PCR 
procedures based on the following AAHL SOPs 
 Cell culture procedures [SOP 13-4-85] 
 Isolation of FMDV from animal samples [SOP 13-4-14] 
 Molecular Diagnosis: FMDV Assays [SOP 13-4-80-9] 
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• RAHO-4 and RAHO-7 laboratories have also attained quality assured 
capability for FMD diagnosis based on the following AAHL SOPs 
 Ag ELISA (detection of antigen) 
• Antigen ELISA [SOP 13-4-88] 
 Serology by ELISA for post-vaccination surveillance 
• FMDV C-ELISA [SOP 13-4-89] 
• FMDV LP-ELISA [SOP13-4-13] 
These SOPs have been modified for use under local conditions and facilities and 
have been successfully implemented. For example, at RAHO-6 quality assurance in 
the form of standard cover sheets, result sheets and IQC record keeping forms were 
included in Appendix 1 of the earlier Milestone 3 Report [National Reference 
Laboratory and Regional Laboratories operational and effective]. Additional 
substantiation in relation to FMD laboratory diagnostic capability can be provided on 
request. In a wider context, details in relation to on-going quality assurance appraisal 
and the results of EQA are as follows: 
• Results of laboratory comparisons and EQA 
Following technology transfer and capacity development from AAHL a quality system 
for FMD diagnostics was successfully implemented in each laboratory. In-house 
quality assurance initially comprised standardised methods and reference reagents 
supplied by AAHL. Quality assurance was assessed following on-site appraisal by 
AAHL personnel and further confirmed using EQA from both AAHL and the FMD 
Regional Reference Laboratory in Thailand. The EQA results were as follows: 
• Quality assurance was further confirmed following EQA using a proficiency 
test [PT] panel 
o The RAHO-6 results testing using PT panels from AAHL for the LP 
ELISA are given in Attachment 1. 
o The RAHO-6 results testing using PT panels from the RRL in Thailand 
for both the LP ELISA and Ag ELISA are given in Attachment 2 
• Quality Assurance of the genotyping of FMD isolates performed at RAHO-6 
were subsequently confirmed following transfer of samples and additional 
sequence analysis conducted by the FMD World Reference Laboratory 
(WRL). 
The results from the EQA clearly attest to the on-going quality assurance of the FMD 
diagnostic assays currently in use in Vietnam. 
• Target farmers knowledge and FMD management practices assessed 
and changes documented 
The “Outbreak Investigation Manual” detailed earlier also represents a significant 
resource to all relevant stakeholders. However, additional resources have been 
produced to facilitate the acquisition of necessary field data to facilitate the 
assessment, monitoring and appraisal of FMD management practices in Vietnam. 
Specifically, these resources were designed to enable DAH to gain a better 
understanding of the numbers of animals exposed to FMD, vaccination coverage and 
both improved sample and data collection. 
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Specifically, the following approaches have been implemented to gain a greater 
understanding and to appraise FMD management practices in the field in Vietnam. 
o Improved diagnostic and surveillance sample collection and 
concomitant on-the-job training of DAH field and epidemiology staff 
• An example of the serum sampling record sheets distributed to 
field veterinarian and epidemiologists to facilitate serological 
surveillance of FMD vaccine usage in the field in Vietnam is 
given in Attachment 3 
o Disease investigation protocols established in collaboration with FAO 
GF-TADS project and SEAFMD 
• An example of the “outbreak survey” form to help field 
veterinarians collect necessary information in the event of a FMD 
outbreak is given in Attachment 4 
The use of such forms ensure that important information in relation to vaccines 
used etc. are recorded and available to laboratory and DAH to ensure effective 
surveillance and management of disease outbreaks in the field in Vietnam. 
In addition, having such standardised documents facilitates professional interaction 
between field veterinarians and laboratory personnel and results in an increase in 
number of samples submitted to the laboratory for serotyping by ELISA. This will 
give DAH a better understanding of the circulating serotypes of FMD viruses in 
Vietnam. The improvement in sample collection also facilitated virus isolation from 
field samples. This has not been possible prior to the initiation of this project and 
has subsequently enabled rapid genotyping of FMD virus isolates to be performed. 
• Competency assessment of RHAC-HCHC staff as trainers of regional 
laboratory staff and field veterinarians 
As a result of successful capacity development and quality assurance compliance 
both RAHO-6 and NCVD have been recognised as FMD Reference laboratories in 
Vietnam. This was achieved through the use of on-site appraisal by the AAHL 
Scientific Coordinator and the use of PT panels from both AAHL and the Regional 
Reference Laboratory in Thailand. As part of their reference laboratory function, 
RAHO-6 provides training and advice to other regional laboratories and DAH 
personnel. The competence and professionalism of RAHO-6 staff was further 
substantiated by their highly effective training and mentoring of DAH field personnel 
in relation to proper sample collection for surveillance and the implementation of field 
surveys for the management of disease outbreaks as detailed earlier. 
In relation to the presentations mentioned in the initial Milestone 10 submission the 
following presentations have been attached to the Milestone 10 resubmission: 
o MS 10 Attachment 5 [SEAFMD Labnet 2010 Meeting] 
o MS 10 Attachment 6 [OIE Subcom 2010 Meeting] 
o MS 10 Attachment 7 [SEAFMD LMWG 2008 Meeting] 
In addition, although details of ELISA methods and worksheets had been included in 
the earlier Milestone 3 report, an example of a completed FMD LP ELISA worksheet 
is given in Attachment 10. All other attachments specifically mentioned by the 
Referee in the earlier Milestone 10 Appraisal Report have been included elsewhere 
in this Milestone 10 Report. 
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5. Conclusions 
This project has successfully achieved objectives through the establishment of 
quality assured FMD diagnostic capacity within the network of veterinary laboratories 
in Vietnam. Of particular significance, both the HCMC [RAHO-6] and Hanoi [NCVD] 
laboratories have attained FMD Reference Laboratory status and continue to provide 
FMD diagnostic support and training to other regional laboratories in the network. 
Proficiency testing has confirmed quality assurance in relation to the range of FMD 
diagnostic tests established. In addition, on-going IQC and EQC using reference 
reagents and PT panels provided by AAHL and other external Reference 
Laboratories will ensure future quality assurance and sustainability at other regional 
laboratories in Vietnam. 
This project also highlighted the need for on-going training of field veterinarians in the 
collection of data and the identification of procedures to ensure the correct 
information is obtained from the farmer. This has been greatly facilitated by the 
range of data collection and survey questionnaires produced by RAHO-6. On-going 
training of DAH field and epidemiology staff has led to improved knowledge and a 
much greater appreciation of processes needed for disease investigation. In 
particular, the requirement for much closer integration and greater two-way 
communication between laboratory and field personnel was highlighted. In the case 
of RAHO-6 closer integration and communication has already resulted in much-
improved sample and data collection. 
The resultant FMD diagnostic capacity and both improved and coordinated specimen 
collection in the field has increased the number of FMD outbreaks identified in 
Vietnam. In addition, proper sample collection has facilitated the collection of 
samples suitable for virus isolation and subsequent genotyping by RT-PCR. For 
example, the use of cell culture for the growth of FMDV at RAHO-6 has allowed 
sequencing results to be obtained quickly. This is currently used as a decision tool in 
relation to identifying the serotypes of FMD circulating in Vietnam and the selection of 
the correct vaccine for use on a region-by-region basis. 
FMD cell culture capability has also allowed the production locally of key reagents 
required for FMD diagnostics such as FMD ELISA antigen. For example, RAHO-6 is 
producing their own FMD antigen and supplying other laboratories such as NCVD, 
RAHO-4 and RAHO-7. This will ensure future sustainability in relation to FMD Ag-
ELISA capabilities in Vietnam. In addition, the ability to grow FMDV in cell culture 
has allowed RAHO-6 to establish the FMD virus neutralisation test (VNT) which can 
be used to detect antigenic changes in FMDV field isolates. This facilitates the early 
detection of antigenic changes, which may reduce vaccine effectiveness. 
This project has increased the diagnostic capability of Vietnamese laboratories to 
diagnose FMD and to characterise FMDV field isolates. This allows the laboratories 
to determine the FMD serotype in circulation and to confirm the correct vaccine 
serotype is in use in the field. The laboratories’ ability to genotype FMD isolates also 
helps identify the source of the outbreak and facilitates better control and prevention 
of FMD. 
This project has also highlighted the importance of an integrated lab-to-field animal 
health network and has already resulted in increased vaccine coverage in some 
provinces. This has resulted in an ever-decreasing incidence of FMV outbreaks in 
the South of Vietnam compared to central and North Vietnam.