“…However, studies using field sera have suggested a similar relative performance of the 4 commercial NSP tests evaluated here. 2,3 Nevertheless, because of the many factors that will affect the proportion of NSP seropositive animals after an outbreak, as well as the strength of the serologic reactions induced in these animals, it cannot be expected that the diagnostic sensitivity of a test will remain constant nor be fully reflected by the test's performance with a single NSP serum panel. It is intended that the panel be made available to FMD reference laboratories to evaluate new tests and to quality control new batches of existing tests, especially when large diagnostic reserves are being established as part of contingency plans for dealing with future outbreaks.…”