Abstract Title
Environmental DNA (eDNA) Surveillance of Avian Influenza Virus: A Novel Approach for Detecting Avian Influenza Virus in Urban Waterways of North Queensland, Australia.
Abstract
Avian influenza virus (AIV) is a highly contagious pathogen that poses significant risks to wild and domestic bird populations, as well as to human health. Traditional surveillance methods for AIV rely on physical sampling of live or deceased birds, typically conducted in natural habitats. However, urbanisation has led to an increase in artificial water bodies, such as residential lakes and landfills, attracting large numbers of wild birds. This study evaluated the effectiveness of environmental DNA (eDNA) as a non-invasive, efficient method for detecting AIV and other pathogens in urban watercourses. Water samples were collected from two sites in North Queensland (Australia), frequented by various wild waterfowl species. Samples were processed by comparing high-speed centrifugation or vacuum filtration methods for viral concentration, followed by RNA extraction and quantification using advanced molecular techniques, including next-generation sequencing (NGS). The study demonstrates the potential of eDNA for monitoring viral diversity in urban waterways, providing a more efficient and less invasive approach than traditional methods. These findings could support broader monitoring efforts in urban environments, contributing to public health surveillance and mitigating the economic impact of AIV outbreaks.
Co-Author(s)
Anjana Karawita1, Roslyn Hickson2,4, Paul Horwood2,3
1 Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Geelong, Australia.
2 Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia;
3 College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia;
4 Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Townsville, Australia;
Abstract Category
Notable outbreaks, field and molecular epidemiology, and surveillance in wild birds