Scientists have developed new tests that can detect avian influenza, which is also commonly known as bird flu. These tests can detect influenza quickly and more accurately than ever before
The new tests are already playing a key role in tracking the virus in both animals and the environment, including in wastewater.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1), a strain known for its rapid spread and deadly impact on birds, has already affected millions of poultry worldwide. It has now begun to infect mammals, raising fresh public health concerns. While the virus hasn’t been transmitted between humans, its ability to cross species from birds to mammals like cows and cats shows the urgent need for improved monitoring.
A technological breakthrough
A significant part of this breakthrough is the development of two new digital RT-PCR tests by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) in collaboration with several leading European health institutes.
These tests represent a significant improvement over traditional methods, enabling scientists to detect and identify the specific genetic material of the virus, even in complex samples such as wastewater.
RT-PCR, or reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, is a standard tool used to detect RNA from viruses, such as influenza. However, the new digital RT-PCR versions are far more sensitive and precise.
They are capable of identifying tiny amounts of viral RNA. They can even differentiate between similar viruses, such as seasonal flu strains and the highly virulent clade 2.3.4.4b H5 strains responsible for the current global outbreaks.
Wastewater surveillance and broader impacts
One significant advantage of these digital tests is their ability to analyse wastewater, providing a robust early warning system for virus circulation in the environment. This is especially important given the recent revision of the EU’s Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, which now includes influenza viruses as targets for surveillance.
By using these new tools, authorities can detect the presence of avian flu before it spreads further among birds, animals, or potentially humans. This enables quicker responses to outbreaks, including targeted measures to limit the spread, mitigate economic losses in the poultry sector, and safeguard public health.
The global poultry industry has been significantly impacted by the bird flu crisis, with mass culling of infected birds driving egg prices to record highs in some regions, including the United States. Monitoring and controlling the spread of the virus is essential not just for animal health, but also for food security and economic stability.
The development of these advanced RT-PCR assays supports EU regulations aimed at strengthening preparedness for serious cross-border health threats. It also meets the surveillance requirements outlined in European animal health legislation, ensuring enhanced protection of both livestock and public health.
A tested and proven approach
The new tests were created using a highly effective computational workflow previously used to develop reliable COVID-19 tests, including those for identifying SARS-CoV-2 variants. For avian flu, thousands of viral genetic sequences were analysed to pinpoint conserved regions unique to the current H5N1 clade, allowing for fast and accurate identification in any sample type.
These digital RT-PCR assays are now available for use by laboratories across the EU, enabling faster and more targeted responses to outbreaks and helping to safeguard both animals and humans from the threat of avian influenza.