How is avian influenza diagnosed in wild birds?
Currently, the most common sampling approach involves collection of fecal samples. Samples are usually taken by swabbing the birds lower digestive tract opening. These samples are placed in a special media that supports the avian influenza virus and are taken to approved laboratories. The initial test is a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. A PCR test is a rapid method of identifying the virus, typically producing results within 3 hours. If a sample tests positive for H5N1 on a rapid test, a virus isolation confirmatory test is performed. This test involves growing the sample in embryonated chicken eggs, which then provides the material to allow detailed identification of the strain of virus and whether it is highly pathogenic avian influenza or low pathogenic avian influenza. This test can take 3-5 days to produce results.
