Target audience
The course is specifically designed for veterinarians or laboratory staff responsible for implementing diagnostic techniques to detect FMDV. The course can also be useful to anyone with a general interest in learning about the pathogenicity, clinical disease, epidemiology, and control of the virus.
Requirements and qualifications
Access to a computer with a reliable internet connection is essential. The course is available in English (UK) and French.
Course description
This eLearning course designed by subject matter experts within the World Reference Laboratory for FMD at Pirbright, is intended to broaden participants understanding of FMDV. The course specifically focuses on information that would be useful for veterinarians or laboratory staff undertaking laboratory diagnostic testing of FMDV. The course can be completed as self-directed eLearning or as a facilitated course (in collaboration with EuFMD) This facilitated course includes discussions, presentations, and videos.
Learning outcomes
Divided into 13 individual modules, you will be able to:
- Discuss the history, impact, and structure of FMDV.
- Describe the pathogenesis and spread, including incubation, shedding and persistence of the virus.
- Recognise the clinical signs of FMDV, including describing the ageing of lesions. Compare to similar diseases for differential diagnoses.
- Outline methods for sample dispatch and receipt.
- Describe laboratory diagnostics including molecular, virological, and serological techniques, as well as testing methods in the field. Describe further characterisation of FMDV using sequencing and vaccine matching.
- Discuss biosafety and biosecurity measures required for an FMDV handling laboratory.
Course modules
The course comprises of the following modules:
| Module title | Duration (minutes) | No of Questions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Introductory module; covering the FMD virus, the disease and the work of the FMD Reference Laboratory at Pirbright | 40 | 10 |
| 2. | Pathogenesis and spread of FMD | 20 | 5 |
| 3. | Clinical diagnosis of FMD | 45 | 6 |
| 4. | Ageing of FMD lesions | 30 | 7 |
| 5. | Introduction to FMDV laboratory diagnosis | 20 | 6 |
| 6. | Sample dispatch and receipt | 40 | 4 |
| 7. | FMD virus detection | 60 | 7 |
| 8. | FMD virus detection in the field | 20 | 3 |
| 9. | FMD serology | 40 | 11 |
| 10. | Further characterisation of FMDV by sequencing | 20 | 3 |
| 11. | Further characterisation of FMDV by vaccine matching | 30 | 6 |
| 12. | An introduction to quality management | 15 | 7 |
| 13. | Biosafety and biosecurity in the FMD laboratory | 90 | 17 |
A certificate will be awarded to individuals successfully completing all modules of the course.
Related courses
Next steps
Contact Pirbright Training for portal access details.