Rapid 'Real Time' Detection of Avian Influenza

Avian flu in its various forms is a disease of great concern to poultry producers across the
world. Unlike Salmonella or Campylobacter, a diagnosis of influenza requires that the entire
flock be destroyed and the entire farm deep cleaned. The 2007 Bernard Matthews H5N1
outbreak required 159,000 turkeys to be culled at a cost of £590,000 and at least £20m was
lost in sales and costs. Underlying this is the fear that the disease might mutate across to
humans with Western governments stockpiling anti-viral drugs at immense cost; over £300m
in the UK. Speed of diagnosis is essential so that bio-control measures can be implemented
quickly to avoid the infection spreading. Currently the main signs of influenza in birds include
a swollen head; loss of appetite, diarrhoea and fewer eggs. The infection may go unnoticed
until many birds become ill. Ducks and Geese show no visible symptoms of the disease.
Confirmation of infection relies upon laboratory testing; which varies from country to
country. Most available tests are slow (up to 14 days before a result), therefore time is lost at
the diagnostic stage. RoboScientific is currently field trialling an advanced air sampling
device with an integrated electronic nose, capable of detecting Campylobacter infections in
poultry flocks. The company is now investigating how this monitoring instrument can also
detect the symptoms of avian influenza. There is clear scientific evidence that avian
influenza changes the odour of faeces in ducks (Kimball BA et al. (2013) Avian Influenza
Infection Alters Fecal Odor in Mallards), therefore monitoring the air above flocks should
detect the presence of avian influenza. This is a “real time”, early stage monitoring system,
using VOCs (volatile organic compounds) detected in poultry houses. The sales market in the
UK is for 15000 units. However the total market needs to be identified and investigated in
greater depth. The Proof of Market study will be a basis for the marketing strategy.