Evaluation of ELISA and PCR methods as milk differentiation techniques of different animal origin

The project deals with sample analysis of cow, sheep and goat origin milk by using ELISA and PCR methods. ELISA is used to monitor herd health by screening for changes in antibody status. The big advantage of ELISA tests is the time window for detection of the infection is much longer, making it more probable to detect whether an infection is happening or has happened. PCR is a diagnostic test designed to confirm an individual animal’s clinical disease, a current infection or to diagnose the cause of death. PCR is especially valuable in the early stages of an infection when antibodies have not yet been built. It gives an immediate answer to the current infection.
Reliable identification of fraud by mixing different origin type of milk is a critical parameter to support the export activities of breeders and cheese production units.The addition of milk which is of cow origin into sheep's milk intended for feta production undermines all efforts to promote and preserve feta as the "flagship" of Greek exportable cheese products. Respectively, mixing cow with sheep milk in proportions which are different from the allowed ones, creates a sense of unreliability in the internal and external market.