POULTRY GRIPP VIRUS: MODERN PROBLEMS AND LABORATORY DIAGNOSIS

Avian influenza viruses, especially representatives of the H5 clade of influenza A virus, have become one of the most relevant zoonotic infections for global veterinary and public health in recent years. At the current epidemiological stage, highly pathogenic H5N1 viruses belonging to clade 2.3.4.4b are widespread in wild birds, poultry farms, and certain mammals, causing sporadic cases of infection in humans. According to the World Health Organization, between 2003 and January 22, 2026, there were 993 laboratory-confirmed human cases of A (H5N1) and 477 deaths. The respiratory tract is the major site of infection for many pathogens that cause chronic diseases in birds, and respiratory conditions are the main cause of financial losses in the poultry industry. The chicken industry is severely impacted by respiratory illnesses, which result in significant financial losses. Particularly dangerous viral respiratory viruses include avian influenza virus, Newcastle disease virus, infectious bronchitis virus, and avian pneumovirus. Although the risk for the general population is currently assessed as low, the risk remains higher for infected birds, mammals, or individuals in direct contact with contaminated environments. The basis of modern laboratory diagnostics is an algorithmic approach that takes into account real-time RT-PCR, subtyping, sequencing, and the epidemiological context. This article analyzes the main contemporary problems of avian influenza, its clinical and laboratory characteristics, and diagnostic approaches. To close the circle, this review will focus on specific aspects of diagnosing infectious poultry diseases from the farm to the diagnostic lab and back. This will provide an overview of current knowledge and a discussion of prospective advancements within the framework of practical, cutting-edge methods. In general, the growing need for infrastructure, knowledge, and skills is a shared problem. The daily work, which is divided into distinct chapters that represent many disciplines, suggests that in order to enhance bird health, the production economy, and the implementation of future intervention techniques for disease prevention, technologies and human skills must be tightly linked.