Development and validation of a novel point of care system for the rapid detection of Avian Influenza Virus

Since 2020, A(H5N1) high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b have spread across all the continents except Oceania, causing an unprecedented panzootic with dramatic repercussions on the poultry production, wild fauna conservation and human health. Even though the EU is a global leader in animal health and food safety, the economic and health consequences of repeated epizootics caused by these viruses are severe. In this context, simple, swift and reliable detection systems for the identification of avian influenza viruses (AIV) are crucial to support diagnostic laboratories and to promptly implement control measures. To this aim, a point of care instrument (fPOC) has been developed for the rapid detection of avian influenza in poultry, wild birds and their environment. The fPOC relies on anovel fluorescence-based optical system that guarantees higher sensitivity. The workflow consists of a sample preparation method based on magnetic beads, and a RT-LAMP assembled in pre-filled cartridges that yields results in 30 minutes. The system is undergoing validation according to the WOAH standards to compare its performances with official methods for the molecular diagnosis of AIV. The validation plan includes the determination of the following indicators: inclusivity, exclusivity, detection limit, repeatability, intermediate reproducibility, relative diagnostic specificity and sensibility employing experimental and field samples.

Than Linh Quyen, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Claire Martenot French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES), Laboratory of Ploufragan-Plouzané-Niort, Winnie E. Svendsen, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Erica Cretaio,EU/WOAH/National Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease, FAO Reference Centre for Animal Influenza and Newcastle Disease, Division of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Valentina Panzarin EU/WOAH/National Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease, FAO Reference Centre for Animal Influenza and Newcastle Disease, Division of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Beatrice Grasland French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES), Laboratory of Ploufragan-Plouzané-Niort, Maria Dimaki, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark

Diagnostics, vaccination, or other mitigation strategies for poultry and wildlife