Farms.com Home   News

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


Trending Video

Turning Data into Better Decisions: BioCV's Intelligent Monitoring System for Modern Pork Producers

Video: Turning Data into Better Decisions: BioCV's Intelligent Monitoring System for Modern Pork Producers

In this exclusive interview, Jens Kjaer, CEO of BioCV Inc., discusses the North American launch of the BioCV Intelligent Sow Monitoring System and how advanced sensor technology and machine learning are changing the way producers manage sow herds. Using smart ear tags that continuously monitor temperature, behavior, and movement, the system provides real-time alerts for heat detection, farrowing, fever, lameness, and other critical health events—often before they become visible to barn staff.

Kjaer explains how the technology helps producers improve breeding efficiency, reduce non-productive days, identify health challenges earlier, and better support sows during farrowing. He also shares how BioCV's predictive analytics can help operations optimize labor, improve piglet survival, reduce sow losses, and enhance overall productivity in today's increasingly data-driven swine industry.

Learn how this innovative technology is giving producers actionable insights on every sow, every day, helping teams move from reactive management to proactive decision-making while improving both animal welfare and profitability. www.biocv.info/lisa-sow