Avian influenza

It may be possible to initially screen all haemagglutinating agents with the primary serum. But, to achieve a definitive identification of the virus subtype, a second serum (produced to a virus with a heterologous neuraminidase subtype) should be used to ensure an accurate identification and eliminate any cross reactivity due to a common neuraminidase subtype between strains.

For serology, consistent with principles for virus identification, one antigen should be used for screening and all positive reactors confirmed using a second antigen in order to eliminate interference from cross neuraminidase antibodies.

H5N2 antigen and H5N2 positive serum are also available.