EN
Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) from the family Picornaviridae, genus Aphthovirus, exists in the form of seven different serotypes: O, A, C, Asia 1 and SAT 1-3. Infection with one serotype does not confer immunity against another. Foot-and-mouth disease is one of the greatest threats to animal health in European countries. The rapid and accurate detection of FMDV is of the utmost importance. The RT-PCR assay was used to detect the presence of FMDV in samples. Positive results of the RT-PCR assay were found in all samples and in the positive control, the negative control reacted negatively. No cytopathic effects in primary bovine thyroid cells were observed in 2 samples that had been thawed several times. The reference strains of FMDV was used to determine the sensitivity of the test. The sensitivity of RT-PCR for detection of FMDV (serotype O, A) was 1 TCID₅₀ and 10 TCID₅₀ (serotype C, Asia 1) by gel electrophoresis.