Farm Wastewater Monitoring for Avian Flu Gains Momentum “`

With avian flu affecting animals across all 50 states and nearly 70 human cases confirmed, public health officials are actively seeking improved surveillance methods.

Wastewater analysis offers a promising approach. This technique’s effectiveness in COVID-19 monitoring, particularly given reduced self-reporting, highlights its potential for tracking infection trends.

Scientists are now adapting this method to detect H5N1 avian influenza in farm wastewater. On February 4th, the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) awarded Barnwell Bio, Inc. a grant to develop a farm-based wastewater pathogen testing system. FFAR, a congressional creation (2014 Farm Bill), utilizes public and private funding for agricultural research, while Barnwell Bio specializes in agricultural wastewater testing applications.

Barnwell Bio CEO, Michael Rhys, notes the current fragmented approach to animal health surveillance, lacking a standardized method for various species.

This challenge stems from the diverse animal populations on farms and the inconsistent wastewater systems compared to urban areas. Effective H5N1 detection requires species-specific strategies, Rhys explains.

For chickens, whose waste is widespread, researchers sample contaminated farmer’s booties. Veterinarians or health officials analyze these samples for H5N1.

In dairy farming, wastewater from milking areas, where cows urinate, provides a sample source.

The approximately $150,000 grant will enable Rhys’ team to develop an on-site H5N1 detection test. Rhys emphasizes the goal of early detection to prevent barn-to-barn spread and the identification of H5N1 variants to trace origins.

The company is currently collaborating with two poultry farms to evaluate the system’s effectiveness.