Lateral flow- NSP 3ABC Ab

Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) vaccines typically contain only structural proteins and lack nonstructural proteins (NSPs). As a result, vaccinated animals generally do not produce antibodies against NSPs such as 3ABC. However, when an animal is naturally infected, the virus replicates within the body and produces NSPs, including 3ABC, triggering the host’s immune response to generate antibodies against these proteins. Therefore, detecting 3ABC antibodies can help differentiate between vaccinated animals and those naturally infected with FMDV.

Regarding the diagnostic window period, antibodies peak approximately one week after infection before gradually declining. The blisters and lesions caused by foot-and-mouth disease in pigs become increasingly evident around 3 to 5 days post-infection. At this stage, antibody titers in the pig’s blood surpass antigen levels, making antibody testing more sensitive and reliable than antigen testing.