[Preparation of precipitation antigens for the diagnosis of Maedi-Visna].

In the present paper antigen preparation is described to be used for diagnostics of Maedi-Visna disease by immunodiffusion test (IDT). The antigen was prepared by cultivation of the Maedi-Visna virus, OLV strain, in cell culture of the synovial membrane of carpal joint and plexus choroides of lamb. Cell cultures were used for 10-25 subcultures. The antigen was concentrated by polyethylene glycol application. The characteristics of the prepared diagnostic antigen were evaluated by its comparison with a reference, commercial preparation. Sufficient sensitivity and specificity of the prepared antigen was demonstrated by testing in a sample of 100 ovine serums.