As bird flu concerns grow, Alberta researchers hope to launch wastewater monitoring for livestock

Alberta researchers are delving into the realm of wastewater surveillance in agriculture to detect early warning signs and safeguard against potential threats like H5N1 avian influenza. This initiative comes as scientists in Alberta routinely monitor for viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, in human wastewater samples across municipalities.

The focus now is on expanding this surveillance to livestock waste in Alberta, particularly aiming to detect H5N1 avian influenza. Dr. Michael Parkins, an infectious disease physician at the University of Calgary and co-lead of the pan-Alberta wastewater network, emphasizes the importance of preparedness against potential pandemics originating from animal populations.

H5N1, known for its high mortality rates in wild and domestic bird populations, has raised concerns after cases were identified in U.S. dairy cattle and a few individuals in North America, including a B.C. teenager. With limitations in current bird flu testing on Canadian farms, the ability to screen a wider livestock population through wastewater surveillance presents a crucial opportunity.

The pilot project involves researchers from various Alberta universities, aiming to sample runoff and catchment areas from farms and other sites to test for pathogens like H5N1. Tim McAllister, a research scientist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, anticipates monitoring waste streams from 30 to 50 farms across the dairy, beef, swine, and poultry sectors.

Beyond H5N1, the project also looks into other emerging diseases and antimicrobial resistance, a pressing public health concern. By studying transmission patterns and genetic changes in pathogens, researchers seek to develop early mitigation strategies to contain and prevent potential outbreaks.

The team has submitted proposals for funding agencies to support the pilot project, which, if approved, would enable regular monitoring of municipal water supplies for avian influenza. Additionally, the project aims to investigate other viruses and bacteria, emphasizing the importance of adopting wastewater surveillance as a public health tool.

As Alberta researchers continue to expand their wastewater monitoring efforts, the integration of H5N1 testing in the agriculture sector by spring is on the horizon. This proactive approach not only enhances early detection capabilities but also contributes to the broader goal of utilizing wastewater surveillance for infectious disease monitoring and prevention.