Quest Diagnostics introduces new test for H5N1 avian flu

Quest Diagnostics, a leading laboratory provider, has announced plans to launch a test for H5N1 avian flu by the end of October. This move follows contracts with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which have commissioned Quest to support testing for emerging infectious diseases, including the Oropouche virus. The spread of avian flu among dairy cows and the infection of 27 people this year have raised concerns among some health experts. The virus has affected over 100 million chickens, turkeys, and other birds in the U.S. since the outbreak in 2022. Additionally, there have been 91 reported cases of the Oropouche virus this year, which is primarily transmitted through mosquito bites. The CDC recently issued a health alert due to the increase in Oropouche cases in the Americas, which have resulted in two fatalities so far. In addition to Quest, the CDC is working with other laboratory companies, including Aegis, ARUP, Ginkgo BioWorks, and Labcorp, to develop tests for health outbreaks. This collaboration ensures that the U.S. is prepared to address these threats by allowing commercial laboratories to complement the public health infrastructure. The contract with Quest also provides funding to maintain testing readiness by keeping necessary equipment and chemical reagents on hand. Quest's new avian flu test will be available by prescription and will be conducted at their laboratory in San Juan Capistrano, California. The test is designed to be performed using respiratory materials or external eye mucosal samples collected from individuals who are suspected of having the virus or meet the CDC testing criteria.