Strategia DIVA w zwalczaniu chorob zakaznych zwierzat

The article discusses the essence, purposes, methods of realizing and benefits of applying DIVA (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals) strategy for the eradication of infectious diseases of animals. Various types of marker vaccines and compatible serological tests suitable for use in this strategy are characterized. The article presents possibilities, principles, results and perspectives of applying DIVA strategy to eradicate Aujeszky«s disease, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, classical swine fever, bovine viral diarrhoea and mucosal disease, foot and mouth disease, avian influenza, porcine parvovirus infection, bluetongue, equine influenza and African horse sickness. Through the application of marker vaccines which enable differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals as well as detection of asymptomatic carriers and shedders, DIVA strategy makes it possible to rid the population of many dangerous pathogens causing epizootics and panzootics. In appreciating the considerable importance of modern marker vaccines in the comprehensive eradication programmes for infectious diseases, this strategy not only considerably reduces economic losses and restores possibilities of international trade in animals and animal products, but also constitutes an alternative to the extremely expensive and sometimes strongly criticized administrative eradication method. That is why DIVA strategy should be more and more often applied for the eradication of infectious diseases in animals, but some of its elements, concerning mainly vaccine evaluation and the monitoring of infections in vaccinated and non-vaccinated groups of people, could also be utilized in public health protection.