In a major step toward improving disease surveillance, the European Union has developed two new digital RT-PCR tests capable of detecting highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) with exceptional accuracy.

These tests were designed by the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission, in collaboration with Sciensano (Belgium), Istituto Superiore di Sanità (Italy), and the EU Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza. They are intended to identify both specific CLADE 2.3.4.4b H5Nx viruses and a broader group of influenza A strains.
• Digital RT-PCR assays provide a significant upgrade compared to traditional methods.
• They can detect trace amounts of viral RNA and distinguish between seasonal influenza and dangerous H5Nx strains in a single test.
• This is particularly valuable given the rapid spread of the virus among poultry and its recent detection in mammals such as cattle and cats.
One of the most innovative features of these tests is their ability to analyze wastewater samples. This enables early environmental detection and supports the EU’s revised directive on urban wastewater treatment, which now includes influenza viruses as monitoring targets.
The development of these tests was accelerated using a computational workflow previously applied in COVID-19 diagnostics. By analyzing thousands of viral sequences, researchers identified unique conserved genetic regions of the H5Nx lineage, enabling rapid and precise detection.
• These advances come at a critical time.
• The 2024–2025 epidemic season began earlier than expected, with outbreaks reported among migratory birds as early as September 2024.
• The EU has responded with enhanced surveillance, strict biosecurity measures, and updated legislation, including Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/689 and Regulation (EU) 2022/2371, which mandate comprehensive monitoring and rapid outbreak response.
Vaccination is also being considered as a preventive tool. Under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/361, member states may implement vaccination plans, provided they meet strict monitoring and reporting requirements.
The new tests are now available to laboratories across the EU, strengthening the bloc’s preparedness against cross-border health threats. By enabling faster and more accurate detection, these tools not only protect public health but also help stabilize the poultry industry, which has faced severe disruptions due to mass culling and rising egg prices.
As avian influenza continues to evolve and cross species barriers, the EU’s investment in high-accuracy diagnostics represents a proactive, science-driven approach to combating disease.
Source: avinews.com