• Development of novel, reliable, high-throughput multiplex PCR techniques for the improved detection of eight swine viruses with special regard to List A viruses.
• Investigation of high numbers of samples with minimal risk of contamination.
• Standardisation and introduction of new procedures as harmonised diagnostic methods for the rapid detection of economically important viruses of swine.
• Establishment of enhanced multiplex sample preparation assays.
• Development of a bank of standardised tissue samples for all eight swine viruses.
• Detection of all studied viruses by using the various primers in a single tube or a well of the microplate.
• Establishment and characterisation of the necessary controls for use in the multiplex detection assays developed in this project.
• Development, standardise and application of assays for viral infections of farm animals that are practical from a perspective of implementation in Europe.
• Development novel fluorimeter-based, multiplex PCR assays that may replace conventional assays across the EU in the near future.
• Procedures will be capable of delivering rapid results not only of the specific disease in suspicion but at the same time of the possible differential diagnosis in a very short period of time.
• The test developed will offer sensitivity, specificity and internal controls equal to, or better than existing strategies.

       The development of sensitive and cost-effective multiplex procedures for the detection of viral infections will result in quicker diagnosis, thus reducing animal stress inherent in prolonged, undiagnosed clinical illness and the misuse of antibiotics for treatment of wrongly diagnosed or secondary bacterial infections. Rapid and accurate diagnosis will also limit the spread of infection to other animals, thus avoiding stress and maintaining animal well-being. The application of molecular tools to diagnosis will also reduce the use of animal-derived biologicals, thus diminishing the need for animal sacrifice as donors for cell cultures, etc.
       The efficient use of multiplex diagnostics for swine will contribute to the success of the agrifood industry in the EU and assist in preservation of small and medium sized family farms as viable economic units within a rural environment, contributing to maintaining the rural infrastructure of EU member states.