Scientists Develop Rapid Bird Flu Detector for Airborne Test

SATURDAY, March 15, 2025 (HealthDay News) -- Scientists have created a handheld sensor that can quickly detect bird flu (H5N1) in the air, potentially stopping outbreaks before they spread.

Research published recently in the journal ACS Sensors noted the sensor is low-cost, highly sensitive and works within minutes.

Bird flu spreads when infected respiratory droplets are inhaled by birds or animals.

While lab-based tests like PCR are effective, they require complex sample preparation. A faster, simpler method could help detect the virus before outbreaks occur.