Diagnostic tests for avian bird flu

Main Category: Bird Flu / Avian Flu
Also Included In: Flu / Cold / SARS
Article Date: 16 Sep 2004 - 15:00 PDT

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The UK Health Protection Agency (HPA) has announced it is developing tests to help diagnose cases of avian flu in humans as well as examining how airport screening can help restrict a possible outbreak.

The so-called "bird flu" is a disease of birds caused by influenza. However, there has been recent cases of the disease spreading to humans, although these outbreaks have been linked to close contact with already infected poultry.

Dr Maria Zambon, Director of the Influenza laboratory at HPA said: "Over the past year we have made great strides in the development of tests for avian flu, and are confident that we could quickly identify any cases in the UK."

She added: "Being able to rapidly diagnose if people are suffering from avian flu is essential, so that we can take the appropriate public health action to best protect the population."

The Agency also stressed that implementing extensive travel restrictions could only delay a worldwide outbreak and that the development of antiviral drugs and vaccines would be more effective in controlling the disease.

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