In March 2026, the ERA-NET ICRAD project under Horizon 2020, titled “POC4AIV (Preventing zoonoses by screening Avian Influenza Virus (AIV) in wildlife birds and poultry using a novel rapid point of care system),” was concluded. The project was led by the Technical University of Denmark (DTU).

POC4AIV is an interdisciplinary research project whose main objective is the early diagnosis of zoonotic avian influenza, thereby helping to prevent its spread. As part of the project, a portable fluorescence-based rapid diagnostic device (fluorescence-based point-of-care instrument (fPOC)) was developed for the rapid detection of the avian influenza virus in poultry and wild birds. An eight-step sample preparation protocol was developed, based on the use of magnetic beads. Although this protocol is currently carried out manually—which means that the device can only be used in a laboratory for the time being—there are plans to automate it in the future so that it can also be adapted for use in field conditions.

The primers for AIV detection were developed using sequences available until December 2023. They can be updated if needed to include the most recent circulating strains of the avian influenza virus.

The fPOC device was validated in accordance with WOAH (World Organization for Animal Health) standards. The overall diagnostic sensitivity (DSe) was 90.91% (95% CI: 85–95%). The diagnostic specificity (DSp) was 100% (95% CI: 90–100%). Inter-laboratory proficiency testing was carried out across five laboratories; it demonstrated good agreement (CC = 0.981) between the reference method and the fPOC.

Compared with commercial rapid tests (antigen tests and commercial RT-LAMP tests), the fPOC demonstrated better diagnostic sensitivity for both standard and atypical sample matrices, as well as a lower limit of detection (LoD).

As part of the POC4AIV project, the Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environmental Sciences ‘BIOR’ participated in the validation of the fPOC device and in inter-laboratory proficiency testing. A sample bank was established comprising both avian influenza virus-positive and -negative samples, which were subsequently used to validate the fPOC device. In May 2026, an online seminar was held for institutions involved in avian influenza surveillance from various countries to present the developed and validated fPOC device within the project. The seminar was attended by representatives from all countries involved in the consortium, 23 representatives from national laboratories, companies, and universities (representing Spain, Italy, Ireland, Austria, Slovenia, Luxembourg, and Turkey), and representatives from the WOAH. The seminar concluded with participants expressing great interest in this device.