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HealthTrackRx develops H5N1 bird flu test

HealthTrackRx develops H5N1 bird flu test
Apr 22, 2025
By Farms.com

New H5N1 test supports public health emergency readiness

HealthTrackRx, a top provider of molecular diagnostics, has introduced a new PCR test for Avian Influenza A (H5N1) in collaboration with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This test is part of a broader emergency preparedness plan and is ready to be deployed swiftly if the bird flu outbreak worsens. 

The recent rise in H5N1 infections among poultry, livestock, and even humans has raised alarms in the healthcare sector. One human death and several hospitalizations underline the virus's ability to cross from animals to humans, posing a major health risk. 

This new test from HealthTrackRx aims to detect infections early, which is vital in preventing large-scale spread and future pandemics. Early detection helps health authorities act quickly, contain the disease, and protect both people and animals. 

“This isn’t just about developing a test—it’s about being ready to respond at scale,” said Dr. Jay Reddy, Chief Scientific Officer at HealthTrackRx. “Our national footprint and next-morning result model uniquely positions us to support public health response when timing matters most. We’re working with the CDC to ensure this test is ready to deploy should the need arise.” 

HealthTrackRx has a strong history of pandemic response. During the COVID-19 crisis, the lab was one of the first to receive Emergency Use Authorization. That experience helped them quickly develop and prepare the H5N1 assay. 

“The H5N1 assay reflects our commitment to staying ahead of emerging threats,” said Dr. Vijay Singh, Vice President of R&D. “We have the research capability, the operational capacity, and the established logistics model to help mitigate future outbreaks with speed and precision.” 

With continued collaboration and data-sharing with the CDC, HealthTrackRx is committed to protecting public health through ongoing surveillance and preparedness efforts. 

Photo Credit: gettyimages-branex


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Assessing Welfare Resources During Late Finish - Dr. Anna Johnson & Emma Coursey

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In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Anna Johnson from Iowa State University and Emma Coursey from the University of Illinois discuss research evaluating welfare resources during the late finishing stage on commercial swine farms. They explain how feeder management, water use, space allocation, and pig health influence welfare outcomes and practical on-farm management. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Small resource issues can become larger welfare problems when multiple stressors interact across finishing barns."

Meet the guests: Dr. Anna Johnson / anna-johnson-05028a14 is the Morrill Professor of Animal Behavior and Welfare at Iowa State University. She earned her Ph.D. in Animal Sciences from Texas Tech University and completed her master's degree in Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare at the University of Edinburgh. Her research focuses on practical solutions that improve farm animal welfare, including sow productive lifetime, animal-human interaction, environmental enrichment, and Precision Livestock Farming.

Emma Coursey / emma-coursey-183810241 is pursuing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine after earning a bachelor's degree in Animal Science from Iowa State University. Her academic interests include swine health, production, and animal welfare, with research experience evaluating welfare resources in commercial finishing pigs.