Poultry AIV Ag Test

The Avian Influenza Virus Antigen Rapid Test(Poultry AIV Ag Test) is a lateral flow immunochromatographic assay for the qualitative detection of Avian Influenza Virus antigen (AIV Ag) in avian serum, secretions or spleen.

The clinical signs are variable and depend on a range of factors including the virulence of the virus, the species and age of the birds infected, the presence of concurrent diseases, and the environment.

In very severe forms, such as H5N1, the disease appears suddenly and birds die quickly.

Common signs to look for are:

• sudden death in several birds

• ruffled feathers

• unusual head or neck posture

• inability to walk or stand

• reluctance to move, eat or drink

• droopy appearance

• respiratory distress

• diarrhoea

• swollen head, wattle or comb, and

• a drop in egg production.

Avian Influenza (AI) is a viral disease of birds. There are many strains of AI virus that cause infections of different severity. These range from low pathogenic or mild, to highly pathogenic strains that are associated with severe disease and high mortality in poultry.

The disease occurs worldwide.

AI is spread by wild birds, particularly ducks, contaminating food or water supplies. Migratory birds (predominantly shore birds and waders from nearby countries in South East Asia) can pose a risk if they harbour AI infection and then mingle with, and transmit this infection to waterfowl that are nomadic within Australia. These nomadic birds can then mingle with and spread the infection to domestic birds such as poultry.

The disease is also spread by animal to animal contact, bites and scratches; and the movement of infected live birds, poultry products or contaminated feed, equipment and materials. The disease can survive in faeces, on feathers, eggs or meat and in water.