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In 2020 the Reference Laboratory for Avian Viral Diseases of the Rosselkhoznadzor subordinate FGBI “Federal Centre for Animal Health” took part in comparison testing organized by the Reference Laboratory of the European Union and the World Organization for Animal Health for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease (Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale de Slle Venezie, IZ Padova, Italy).

Comparative testing included molecular, serological and virological rounds. Within the molecular round, it was necessary to detect the RNA of the avian influenza virus and avian paramyxovirus serotype 1 and identify the subtypes H5, H7, N1, N2, N6, N8 of avian influenza viruses using RT-PCR, as well as characterize the potential virulence of the identified avian influenza viruses of the subtypes H5, H7 and avian paramyxovirus serotype 1 by sequencing the cut site. The serological round included testing of coded sera samples taken from poultry at different times after immunization with different strains of the APMV-1 virus and avian influenza virus: H5N2, H5N6, H7N4, H7N7, H9N2. During the virological round, it was necessary to test samples containing strains of the avian influenza virus subtypes H5N1, H5N9, H9N2, H5N6, H7N3 and strains of APMV-1, to identify and do the typing of the virus in positive samples.

For molecular testing, the Reference Laboratory for Avian Viral Diseases received 15 coded freeze-dried inactivated isolates of avian influenza virus, avian paramyxovirus serotype 1 and samples that did not contain the RNA of these viruses. The diagnostic panel consisted of eight avian influenza viruses isolated in Europe, Asia and Africa, five serotype 1 avian paramyxoviruses of European and American origin, and two negative samples.

As a result of the studies carried out using molecular diagnostic methods, the RNA of the avian influenza virus and avian paramyxovirus serotype 1 was correctly identified in all samples. The avian influenza viruses of subtypes H5, H7, N1, N2, N6, N8 were correctly identified and the potential virulence of the viruses was properly characterized.

Serological and virological panels (12 coded samples in each panel) were tested in the respective rounds. The serological panel was tested by ELISA and HI test using FGBI “ARRIAH” commercial kits, as well as reference components (antigens and sera) in accordance with the FGBI “ARRIAH” Methodological Guidelines for HI identification of avian influenza and Newcastle disease viruses. The virological panel was also tested using the above-mentioned Guidelines. The test results showed 100% convergence with the characteristics of the samples provided in the virological and serological panels.

Thus, the specialists’ competence, as well as sensitivity and specificity of the test kits produced at the FGBI "ARRIAH" for diagnosis of highly dangerous and economically significant avian infectious diseases were once again confirmed.

The FGBI ARRIAH Press Office