Role and Contribution of Serological Surveillance in Animals and Exposed Humans to the Study of Zoonotic Influenza Disease Epidemiology: A Scoping Review.

Background

Zoonotic influenza viruses pose a significant and evolving public health threat. In response to the recent rise in H5N1 cross-species transmission, the World Health Organization (WHO) R&D Blueprint for Epidemics consultations have prioritized strengthening surveillance, candidate vaccines, diagnostics, and pandemic preparedness. Serological surveillance plays a pivotal role by providing insights into the prevalence and transmission dynamics of influenza viruses.

Objective

This scoping review aimed to map the global research landscape on serological surveillance of zoonotic influenza in animals and exposed humans between 2017, the date of the last WHO public health research agenda for influenza review, and 2024, as well as to identify methodological advancements.

Methods

Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we searched PubMed for English-language peer-reviewed articles published between January 2017 and March 2024. Studies were included if they reported serological surveillance in wild or domestic animals or occupationally exposed human populations, or novel methodologies and their technical limitations and implementation challenges.

Results

Out of 7490 screened records, 90 studies from 33 countries, covering 25 animal species, were included. Seroprevalence studies were in domestic poultry and swine. Surveillance in companion animals, wild mammals, and at the human-animal interface was limited. Emerging serological methods included multiplex and nanobody-based assays, though implementation barriers remain.

Conclusions

The review is limited by its restriction to one database and English-language articles, lack of quality appraisal, and significant heterogeneity among the included studies. Serological surveillance is a critical but underutilized tool in zoonotic influenza monitoring. Greater integration of serological surveillance into One Health frameworks, especially in high-risk regions and populations, is needed to support early detection and pandemic preparedness.