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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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In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Kwangwook Kim, Assistant Professor at Michigan State University, discusses the use of non-nutritive sweeteners in nursery pig diets. He explains how sucralose and neotame influence feed intake, gut health, metabolism, and the frequency of diarrhea compared to antibiotics. The conversation highlights mechanisms beyond palatability, including hormone signaling and nutrient transport. Listen now on all major platforms!

“Receptors responsible for sweet taste are present not only in the mouth but also along the intestinal tract.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Kwangwook Kim / kwangwook-kim is an Assistant Professor at Michigan State University, specializing in swine nutrition and feed additives under disease challenge models. He earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in Animal Sciences from the University of California, Davis, where he focused on intestinal health and metabolic responses in pigs. His research evaluates alternatives to antibiotics, targeting gut health and performance in nursery pigs.