Vietnam is a “hot spot” for the potential emergence of new influenza viruses with world-wide epidemic potential. Hence, rapid detection of new viral threats is critical to prevent viruses from spreading. With technical assistance and funding from USAID, Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development recently introduced an innovative laboratory technology - Pockit iiPCR or “pen-side PCR” - which enables on-the-spot identification of viruses in poultry in under three hours. Current technology requires samples to be transported to a central laboratory and takes three to five days to get the results. This new technology was introduced as a pilot, including training of local staff, in 10 live bird markets in provinces which border China where avian influenza A/H7N9 virus is endemic. More than 10,000 poultry samples will be tested for influenza virus during the peak season.

So What? Rapid results can facilitate faster containment of hazardous viruses, preventing dangerous strains from spreading to humans, locally, regionally, or even globally.