The first USDA-licensed, PCR-based solution for the detection of avian influenza
Thermo Fisher Scientific animal health products have been at the forefront of recent advances in production animal diagnostics, and now supply some of the leading modern diagnostic tools to veterinary laboratories around the world.
In keeping with our continued development of next-generation molecular tools, we're proud to announce the availability of our USDA-licensed VetMAX™-Gold AIV Detection Kit: a rapid PCR-based testing solution that detects avian influenza with a high level of specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility.
Avian influenza (AI) is a highly contagious viral disease that can infect several species of birds, such as chickens, turkeys, quails, guinea fowls, and ducks. It is caused by an A-type influenza virus: a single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the orthomyxoviridae family. AI can present many signs in birds, from a minor disease with few or no clinical signs, to a disease that can quickly become fatal and lead to a serious epidemic.
Low pathogenicity AI viruses can cause various clinical problems ranging from infections to drops in egg production. Highly pathogenic avian influenza belonging to H5, H7, and H9 subtypes can cause severe disease with high morbidity and mortality rates in commercial poultry operations. Virus transmission between birds occurs mainly by respiratory secretion and fecal material, but can also happen indirectly, through bird droppings carrying the virus, or contaminated food, water, and materials.
A federally approved detection kit for avian influenza
The licensing of the VetMAX™-Gold AIV Detection Kit is based on the successful completion of the USDA’s stringent review process, which confirms both the effectiveness of our real-time PCR test and the compliance of our manufacturing site’s production and quality systems.
Veterinary diagnosticians rely on our molecular reagents and instrumentation to detect and control disease. Now, with our VetMAX™-Gold AIV product, they have a federally approved diagnostic test for avian influenza that contains all the necessary reagents and controls in a single detection kit.
Confidence in results
Our USDA-licensed kit screens 3 unique regions within the influenza A genome, providing a rapid test solution that is designed to consistently detect AIV with a high degree of sensitivity and specificity.
Fast product release
A simplified, validated workflow for the extraction and detection of avian influenza helps labs streamline their testing process, and poultry producers accelerate the speed of commerce.
Enables greater cost savings
The technology behind real-time PCR enables greater testing consistency and reproducibility, which helps to significantly reduce instances of inconsistent results and retesting.
The advantages of real-time PCR
There are several diagnostic methods, such as homebrew solutions, that help with the identification of avian influenza. These methods have their advantages and disadvantages, some of which can result in increased costs, inconsistent results, and testing inefficiencies.
An alternative to these methods, the VetMAX™-Gold AIV Detection Kit uses a real-time PCR technology that helps deliver rapid results with a high degree of specificity, sensitivity and reproducibility. These are just a few of the ways that our VetMAX™-Gold AIV Detection Kit compares to homebrew solutions:
| VetMAX™-Gold AIV Detection Kit | Homebrew | |
|---|---|---|
| USDA-licensed | Approved by USDA | No |
| Quality control | USDA oversees quality control process and the release of every batch | No USDA oversight, less stringent quality control standards |
| Consistency | Enables consistent results across batches | Less consistency from batch to batch |
| Multiple targets | Targets 3 different sequences within the virus | Typically targets one sequence, potentially more susceptible to mutations |
| Workflow | Optimized workflow, MagMAX™ and VetMAX™-Gold AIV Detection Kit | Often lacks an optimized workflow |
| Support | Support for the entire workflow | No |
Who can order and use the kit?
In the US, any laboratory that has received authorization from the state veterinarian to order and use this kit for the diagnosis of avian influenza. Similar product use restrictions may exist in other countries at the discretion of the relevant veterinary authority.
VetMAX™-Gold AIV Detection Kit product flyer
Our vision is to provide comprehensive solutions to help diagnose farm animal health issues more quickly and accurately than ever before—and so enhance animal health and productivity. To learn more about our VetMAX™-Gold AIV Detection Kit, please download our product flyer.