New frontiers in applied veterinary point-of-capture diagnostics: Toward early detection and control of zoonotic influenza.

Among the chief limitations in achieving early detection and control of animal-origin influenza of pandemic potential in high-risk livestock populations is the existing lag time between sample collection and diagnostic result. Advances in molecular diagnostics are permitting deployment of affordable, rapid, highly sensitive, and specific point-of-capture assays, providing opportunities for targeted surveillance driving containment strategies with potentially compelling returns on investment. Interrupting disease transmission at source holds promise of disrupting cycles of animal-origin influenza incursion to endemicity and limiting impact on animal production, food security, and public health. Adoption of new point-of-capture diagnostics should be undertaken in the context of promoting robust veterinary services systems and parallel support for operationalizing pre-authorized plans and communication strategies that will ensure that the full potential of these new platforms is realized.