Bosvark navorsing

[Sarelss]

Die berig /versoek het in die Pot-Shot jagters nuusbrief verskyn. Hier is baie Bosvak manne op die Forum. Dalk stel julle belang om die te lees.
groete
ss

Help with Bushpig Research
02 Dec 2012


Hunters are requested to assist with securing bushpig samples from across South Africa for genetic samples and to determine the role of bushpigs in the epidemiology of African swine fever.

This call for assistance from hunters come from Prof Armanda Bastos and Eduard Roos who say:

?There are two main research interests in the bushpigs:

1. Their genetics - to date no genetic studies have been performed in South Africa on bushpigs, mainly because samples are incredibly difficult to get. We are hoping to get the first genetic estimation of their diversity in South Africa, and to use the data to compare it to the Madagascan population of bush pigs, so that we can try to determine when bushpigs were introduced to Madagascar. For this study we need only a small (pinky fingernail size) ear clip or tissue sample (heart / kidney is ideal as both are rich in mitochondria).

2. The role of bushpigs in the epidemiology of African swine fever. The assumption is that bushpigs do not play any significant role in the epidemiology of this viral disease, but field data are limited. It would therefore be incredibly beneficial to obtain samples that can either confirm / dispute this. For the purposes of this study, we need a small sample (pinky nail size is plenty) of lymph and spleen tissue.

The samples collected from throughout the country (both inside and outside of the ASF control area) can be stored at room temperature in 100% ethanol. I am happy to ship collection tubes to each of the hunters who would like to help.

One tissue type, from a single animal should be placed in a tube. In addition, info on age, sex, tissue type, sampling date and locality should be recorded on the tube and on an accompanying piece of paper. The samples collected outside of the ASF area can then be shipped / couriered to me (please charge to receiver). For the samples collected from inside the ASF control area, I will go to the main branches or the farms where the samples were collected at, and I will do the DNA extractions on site (I will bring all equipment with me), as the DNA can be moved out of the area.

The alternative, to apply for and move them under a red cross movement permit, will require a good deal more paperwork. As I (and my students) are based in Gauteng, it is relatively easy to drive out to the branches or farms and spend a few hours doing the DNA extractions on site. We essentially just need a table and two plug points to do the extractions.

I would also be very happy to write up the major conclusions of both studies for inclusion in a newsletter or to present a talk on the findings of our studies.?

Branches or hunters can contact Prof Bastos via e-mail, u10041542@tuks.co.za (Eduard Roos), if they are interested in helping with this project.