Abingdon Health, Okos Develop Global Avian Flu Lateral Flow Test

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) has spread globally, now reaching Antarctica's mainland and impacting livestock and humans, raising concerns about potential pandemics. Purdue University researchers developed a novel, paper-based diagnostic test for rapid avian flu detection across various species, aiming to improve surveillance in field settings with limited laboratory access. In China, surveillance from 2019 to 2023 revealed a dominant H9N2 subtype with mutations that increase its potential for human infection and transmission, underscoring zoonotic risks. Meanwhile, UK-based Abingdon Health has partnered with Netherlands-based Okos Diagnostics to co-develop and commercialize lateral flow tests targeting avian flu in both animal and human health, focusing initially on bovine milk and nasal samples. This collaboration is poised to meet the growing market demand, especially following recent outbreaks in U.S. dairy cows and humans, which have resulted in severe disease and the first H5N1-related human death. The partnership aims to leverage combined expertise to deliver accessible, rapid diagnostic solutions worldwide to mitigate the threat of avian flu.