Dr Allison Miller1, Dr. Stephanie Waller1, Dr. Eddy Dowle2, Dr. David Winters3, Dr. Vinko Besic3, Dr. Jemma Geoghegan1
1University Of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand, 2Plant and Food Research, Lincoln, New Zealand, 3Environmental Science and Research, Porirua, New Zealand
Biography:
Allison K. Miller is a postdoctoral fellow working in the Microbiology Department at the University of Otago. She is currently working with Prof Jemma Geoghegan researching avian influenza as part of a Te Niwha funded project to better understand avian influenza in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Abstract:
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is an emerging concern for governments and people worldwide. Since 2021, a new strain of HPAI has emerged allowing the virus to expand both its host and geographical range. HPAI has killed millions of birds and other wildlife around the world and its recent jump and spread among cattle is a major cause for concern in the agriculture industry. HPAI has not yet been recorded in Aotearoa; however, with the growing threat of its intercontinental spread, including to mainland Antarctica, we need to improve our active surveillance. Environmental sampling technologies offer ways to do this without the need for handling animals. We will review and test established environmental sampling methods, including longitudinal in situ sampling of various environmental samples, to determine an appropriate method for the surveillance of avian influenza viruses across Aotearoa. This information will be vital for the management of newly emerged subtypes of HPAI, acting as an early warning system to spot the virus when it arrives.