Differentiation of highly pathogenic strain H5N1 of AIV by Real Time PCR in the first outbreak in Romania

Fast diagnosis of Avian Influenza is a prerequisite for confining outbreaks. Diagnosis implies the differentiation of virulent and non-virulent Avian Influenza virus. After starting with PCR screening for matrix protein followed by identifying the presence of H5 and N1 genes, the diagnosis methodology within Romanian Institute for Diagnosis and Animal Health has moved to rapid molecular tests for detecting the virulent and non- virulent strains. During October-December 2005 over 3400 biological specimens from 16 affected poultry backyards from Eastern Romania were tested by Real- Time PCR in the first Romanian outbreak. Over 3000 specimens have been tested in 2006, in the second Romanian outbreak when commercial poultry farms from central and southern Romania were affected.