Role of molecular genetic methods for avian influenza diagnostics in the epizootological monitoring system

Purpose: Avian influenza (AI) diagnostics is an important part of the veterinary preventive measures to control this disease. In Ukraine, AI detection performed using virological and molecular genetic methods in accordance with OIE recommendations. The purpose of the work was toassess the capacity of expanding of molecular genetic methods usage in the AI surveillance system within Ukraine. Methods & Materials: During the period from 2017 to Q1 2018, 4390 biological material samples were analyzed using real-time PCR, and 81126 blood serum samples using Hemagglutination Inhibition assay (HAI). Samples of blood serum, pathological material, cloacal and tracheal swabs, pellets from wild birds and poultry were tested. Results: All avian influenza studies in Ukraine are performed within the State monitoring program, as a response to suspected cases, and include testing cloacal and tracheal swabs from birds collected in the areas, where positive cases were detected. In 2017, there were 8 AI suspected cases, 5 of which were confirmed by -time PCR. H5N8 HPAIV positive cases were registered in Chernivtsi (10 samples collected from wild birds and 12 from poultry), Odesa (5 samples collected from poultry), Ternopil (5 collected from poultry) and Mykolaiv oblasts (sample from zoo bird). In 2018, there were 2 AI suspected cases (Kherson and Donetsk oblasts) that were not confirmed. At the same time, all poultry samples collected in zones with AI positive cases and tested using HAI demonstrated negative results. Conclusion: Obtained results confirm high-sensitivity of molecular-genetic methods comparing to virological ones in avian influenza diagnostics. Thus, usage of molecular genetic methods is an important element in the early stages of response to suspected cases of avian influenza. Based on results, changes are implemented in the development of the State monitoring program of avian influenza within Ukraine. A plan on regional laboratories involvement in avian influenza diagnostics using molecular genetic methods was developed and successfully introduced.