The aim of the project was to develop a rapid pen-side test for common disease-causing pathogens present in piggery effluent.
This project investigated whether piggery effluent could be used as a practical, on-farm tool to monitor disease - similar to wastewater surveillance used during COVID-19. Effluent, which contains faeces, urine and other shed waste, represents a combined sample of the herd at any given time point and could provide a simple way to assess overall herd health.
The work was completed across a number of stages.
First, researchers confirmed that bacteria could be detected in effluent using standard lab methods (PCR, polymerase chain reaction) and a rapid DNA-based method (LAMP, loop-mediated isothermal amplification). This included successfully detecting Campylobacter coli and Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP).
The second stage focused on refining a LAMP test for APP to improve sensitivity and reliability, including introducing a colour-change system for easy interpretation. The final stage developed a new LAMP assay for E. coli, a key enteric pathogen.
Together, the project demonstrated that rapid, on-farm testing (point-of-management diagnostics) using LAMP is feasible and can detect important respiratory and enteric pathogens at levels comparable to lab-based methods.
This approach could give producers a faster, easier way to monitor herd health without needing to test individual animals or wait days for lab results. By detecting disease earlier, producers can respond sooner, reduce the impact of outbreaks, improve animal welfare and limit production losses. It also supports more targeted use of antibiotics, helping to improve long-term sustainability.
The study confirmed that multiple pathogens, including C. coli, APP, and E. coli, can be detected in piggery effluent. After optimisation, LAMP assays were able to detect low levels of these bacteria with high accuracy and specificity, performing similarly to traditional lab-based PCR methods, but in a fraction of the time.
Importantly, these tests can be run quickly and simply, showing strong potential as practical on-farm diagnostic tools and a platform for detecting other diseases in the future.
For further information about this project, please contact APL’s Research and Innovation Program Manager – Farming and Welfare, Dr Rebecca Athorn via email: Rebecca.athorn@australianpork.com.au
