Avian Influenza (AIV or bird flu)
Avian influenza (AIV), or bird flu, is an infectious influenza which circulates in bird populations around the world. It can also infect other species, including humans.
The subtype currently making headlines for its rapid spread and global reach, H5N1, is a HPAI. Cases have been detected in wild and domestic bird populations and various mammal species such as foxes, otters, sea lions, mink, dolphins, bears, cats, dogs, and humans. Sustained human-to-human transmission is yet to be witnessed, however due the unprecedented number of cases in multiple species, including mammalian species, the rate at which influenza viruses mutate and the highly pathogenic nature of this subtype, it is a greatly concerning scenario that should be prepared for.
Further to the risk posed to human and animal health, many industries rely on the health and wellbeing of their flock.
The poultry sector is the fastest growing sub-sector in agriculture and is currently estimated to be worth over $378 billion.
The current H5N1 outbreaks pose a major threat to the industries in the poultry sector, but this threat can be drastically reduced by enhancing surveillance to allow for early detection and prompt action.
Testing by lateral flow allows for simple, in-field/flock-side testing which yields rapid and easy to interpret results. Herdscreen® GDX84-2 AIV H5 Ag is designed for testing using avian cloacal swab samples or tracheal secretions for H5 influenza subtypes and has great potential for reducing the risk posed to poultry industries. The tests have excellent performance (99.8% sensitivity, 100% specificity) and longevity with 24 months shelf-life, and can conveniently be stored at 2 – 30°C. These characteristics make the Herdscreen® GDX84-2 AIV H5 Ag test stand-out against competitors.
To test more broadly for AIV, GDX83-2 AIV Type A Ag is also available.
