New Delhi, November 22 (IANS). Amid the growing threat of bird flu that has killed hundreds of birds and spread to some mammals and even humans, a global research team on Friday announced ‘Steadfast’ efforts to detect H5N1 avian influenza virus (AIV). There is an advanced diagnostic kit for.
“This development is a significant breakthrough in the surveillance of avian influenza,” said the team from the Diagnostics Development Hub (DXD Hub), a platform run by Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A-STAR) in collaboration with researchers from Japan. , which strengthens global efforts to prepare for this pandemic.
The newly developed SteadFast allows rapid detection of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus. It also helps in differentiating between highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) which is important for effective control measures.
While conventional sequencing methods take two to three days to get results, ‘Steadfast’ can detect HPAI H5 strains (H5N1, H5N5, H5N6) within about three hours.
In recent times, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has caused mass mortality in poultry and wild birds worldwide. The infection has spread from seals, cats, cattle, and even cattle to humans, increasing the risk of a pandemic virus.
Dr. Onuma Manabu, head of the National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES) of the Biodiversity Resources Conservation Office in Japan, said these incidents show how rapidly the virus is mutating.
Manabu said this effective surveillance system emphasizes the importance of developing rapid detection methods that are helpful in containing the infection.
The team said early and rapid detection of viruses and strains is important as it can help monitor more migratory birds, provide timely warnings and strengthen biosecurity in poultry facilities. A timely response can significantly reduce the risk of infection and help prevent potentially devastating pandemics.
–IANS
MKS/AS
