DEVELOPMENT OF A RAPID TEST FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF AVIAN INFLUENZA VIRUSES

• Grant number: 25/00866-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: March 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Preventive Veterinary Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Helena Lage Ferreira
• Grantee: Bruna Reich Martinatti
• Host Institution: Instituto Biológico (IB). Agência Paulista de Tecnologia dos Agronegócios (APTA). Secretaria de Agricultura e Abastecimento (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/11968-2 - Center of Technological Plataform on Animal Health, AP.CCD

Abstract

The poultry industry plays an important role in Brazilian agriculture, placing the country among the world leaders in chicken meat and egg production. As such, there is growing concern about biosecurity due to the economic impact of respiratory diseases, especially viral diseases, which represent a significant challenge for modern poultry farming. The National Poultry Health Plan (PNSA) coordinates efforts to control four diseases, including avian influenza. Recently, the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus was detected in Brazil, and in order to deal with this challenge, this project aims to identify and monitor the circulation of the HPAI virus on Brazilian farms by developing a rapid test. The aim is to reduce dependence on imported reagents for the identification of this virus. The specific objectives include the development of a diagnostic tool for the Avian Influenza virus, the validation of the tests with clinical samples, and a comparative evaluation with commercial kits. The methodology involves the collection of samples, viral isolation, developing a Lateral Flow Immunochromatographic Test (LIFT), and comparing it with validated tests. Diagnostic and analytical specificities and sensitivities will be assessed. International collaboration and company partnerships will help overcome these challenges and facilitate technology transfer to the production sector. This project aims to strengthen the biosecurity of national poultry farming by developing a rapid and effective test for detecting HPAI, promoting the sector's sustainability and reducing dependence on external inputs. (AU)