As Avian Flu Threat Grows, Monitoring Methods Multiply Amid Testing Gaps 

As Avian Flu Threat Grows, Monitoring Methods Multiply Amid Testing Gaps. Credit | AP
As Avian Flu Threat Grows, Monitoring Methods Multiply Amid Testing Gaps. Credit | AP

United States: Amidst the prevalent deficiencies in US testing for H5N1, a strain of avian flu, and the identification of a second case among humans, researchers are exploring innovative methods to monitor the outbreak, particularly in human and animal excrement. 

Scholars and authorities are broadening the scope of wastewater surveillance across the US and involving community members in collecting fecal samples from avian species. Their objective is to monitor this outbreak while also preparing for potential future pandemics. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently introduced a novel dashboard to monitor influenza A in wastewater nationwide. Although it does not specifically track H5N1, the highly pathogenic avian influenza variant falls within the influenza A category, according to The Guardian.  

This dashboard aids in identifying areas in the US experiencing a surge in flu A cases. Given the low prevalence of flu among humans at this time, such surges can serve as indicators of potential H5N1 outbreaks. 

“I’m gratified to observe their data-sharing initiative,” remarked Marc Johnson, a professor at the University of Missouri School of Medicine and the head of wastewater surveillance in Missouri. 

Another initiative involves engaging citizen scientists—specifically, high school students in New York City—to collect samples of avian droppings for disease analysis. 

Volunteers equipped with personal protective equipment receive training in collecting fecal samples from local parks. Subsequently, they collaborate with scientists at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai to determine the presence of pathogens. 

As Avian Flu Threat Grows, Monitoring Methods Multiply Amid Testing Gaps. Credit | Getty Images
As Avian Flu Threat Grows, Monitoring Methods Multiply Amid Testing Gaps. Credit | Getty Images

According to a recent study, this approach led to the discovery of H5N1 in New York City in late 2022. 

“Citizen science holds immense potential, particularly in expanding pathogen surveillance,” noted Philip Meade, the lead author of the study and a researcher at the Mount Sinai laboratory, as highlighted by The Guardian.  

“Comprehensively understanding the viruses circulating in our environment is exceedingly challenging,” Meade added. 

Meade suggested that the Virus Hunters program, which engages citizen scientists, could be extended to other migratory bird pathways along the western and midwestern regions of the US. 

“The greater the number of individuals aiding us in data generation and comprehension, the more beneficial it is for both us and wildlife,” emphasized Christine Marizzi, a study co-author and the director of community science for BioBus, a mobile research laboratory collaborating with students. 

Marizzi underscored that citizen science initiatives not only increase the number of individuals collecting samples but also foster trust in scientific endeavors within communities. 

“We collaborate with communities from the outset. Establishing trust is crucial for effective response during pandemics,” she emphasized. 

One of the primary challenges in monitoring the transmission of viruses from animals is the sheer magnitude of the task. Typically, animals (and humans) undergo testing only when they exhibit symptoms. However, researchers are now realizing that H5N1 can circulate asymptomatically in cows and potentially other animals. 

Non-invasive sampling techniques can detect pathogens even in the absence of symptoms. 

During this avian influenza outbreak, there have been gaps in testing, as farms and workers may face repercussions if they test positive. Wastewater analysis enables officials to comprehend the pathogens circulating without directly testing animals and humans, The Guardian reported.  

“If any farms are connected to municipal sewage systems, we can conduct tests without needing access to the farms themselves,” Johnson explained. 

He commended the idea of testing downstream from meat-processing facilities, as it provides insights into the spread of pathogens beyond dairy animals. 

“H5N1 was detected in the wastewater of nine out of ten Texas cities surveyed in a recent pre-print study,” Johnson highlighted. 

According to the authors of the study, while the majority of the virus likely originates from animals, human infections cannot be discounted. 

“Understanding the prevalence of the virus—whether it stems from cattle, humans, birds, or other sources—is crucial for proactive monitoring,” Johnson stressed. 

Had nationwide flu A monitoring been in place several months ago, officials might have detected the H5N1 outbreak in cows much earlier, he contended. 

Wastewater surveillance could also aid in detecting the transmission of pathogens from farms to new species. 

“This strain of flu adapted to cows could continue mutating as it spreads to bird populations or other species,” Meade cautioned. 

Meade and Johnson both expressed concern about the virus potentially entering pig populations, where it could evolve further. Pigs are typically tested for illnesses only when symptomatic, but asymptomatic infections could remain undetected. 

“Undetected infections among humans or other animals pose significant risks,” Johnson warned. 

Detecting such infections early is crucial for preventing the spread of the virus and mitigating potential pandemics.