Introduction: Highly-pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) continues to pose significant challenges for poultry producers and governments worldwide. However, amidst the adversity, a beacon of hope emerges: the development of vaccines and the imminent availability of rapid on-farm testing.
The Current Landscape: Presently, two primary testing methods exist for HPAI: Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and antigen (lateral flow) tests. While PCR boasts high accuracy, its reliance on centralized laboratories leads to delays in obtaining results. On the other hand, antigen tests, though farm-accessible, suffer from lower sensitivity and often necessitate confirmation through secondary testing, exacerbating the spread of the virus.
The Breakthrough: Enter Flockscreen, a Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) test developed collaboratively by Alveo Technologies, Royal GD, and X-OvO. This groundbreaking test promises rapid, on-farm results comparable in accuracy to PCR tests. Notably, Flockscreen’s handheld units offer durability and electrical modes of detection, ensuring reliability in diverse settings.
Overcoming Challenges: Dr. Richard Currie highlights two pivotal challenges in Flockscreen’s development: designing assays for variable virus targets and managing assay data effectively. Through extensive trials and collaborative efforts, these challenges were surmounted, paving the way for a robust testing platform.
Real-Time Tracking and Surveillance: Flockscreen’s integration with cloud-based technology enables real-time tracking of positive cases. Timestamped and geolocated data empower officials to map virus spread accurately and anticipate outbreaks. This proactive approach facilitates targeted vaccination programs and enhances disease management strategies.
Global Rollout: Initial deployment of Flockscreen will prioritize regions with significant avian influenza challenges and robust wild bird surveillance. Driven by the pressing need to alleviate financial strains on the agricultural sector, the rollout is poised to revolutionize disease testing and mitigation efforts.
Innovative Solutions: Beyond Flockscreen, technologies like Impinj and Farm Health Guardian offer complementary solutions for disease identification and outbreak mapping. These systems bolster the industry’s resilience and underscore the collective commitment to combatting HPAI.
Current Status: Recent updates from the US Department of Agriculture underscore the urgency of addressing HPAI. With millions of birds affected across various regions, the need for swift, effective testing and containment measures is paramount.
Conclusion: As the specter of highly-pathogenic avian influenza looms large, rapid on-farm testing emerges as a beacon of hope. With Flockscreen and allied technologies, stakeholders are equipped to confront the challenges posed by HPAI head-on, safeguarding poultry health and livelihoods worldwide.
