Zoonotic Influenza Surveillance in Belgium (ZOOIS)

Cyril Barbezange

Status: Invitation-only

Conditions: Influenza, Human

Treatments: Diagnostic Test: serum; Diagnostic Test: respiratory specimen

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT05827601

ZOOIS-23-24

Details and patient eligibility

About

The project aims at implementing a more pro-active surveillance of potential transmission of influenza viruses to humans (zoonotic transmission). Clinical surveillance of influenza in humans and avian species is well organized and has been operating for decades, but currently there is no pro-active systematic surveillance of potential transmission of animal (avian or swine) influenza viruses to humans, only follow-up of people showing clinical symptoms. People working with potentially infected animals have the highest risk. Moreover, they can represent the first steps in a pandemic: if the virus adapts to humans, infected workers could potentially spread the virus to other people.

Currently, highly pathogenic clade2.3.4.4b H5 avian influenza viruses are continuously circulating in wild birds in Belgium and the number of introduction in poultry farms has raised, increasing the contact opportunities with high viral concentrations. Several reports of suspected human infection have been made by different countries. In addition, the virus was detected in sick non-human mammals. The large circulation in wild birds thus represents an increase risk of spill-over to mammalian species, including humans, (by contact directly with wild birds, or via outbreaks in poultry). This increased opportunity for accidental spillover to new host species increases the chances for the avian virus to adapt to mammals, including humans.

Likewise, there have also been an increased number of human cases of swine influenza reported by several European countries. A pro-active surveillance aiming at also detecting asymptomatic infections would allow an early detection of transmission that could help to prevent a new pandemic.

As a piloting approach during this specific project, some dedicated sentinel networks among at-risk workers will be initiated: people in poultry farms involved with the management of outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza; people working at bird (or more generally wild life) rehabilitation centres or poultry farms; veterinarians working in pig farms/slaughterhouses.

Enrollment: 200 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• worker or volunteer of one of the targeted groups at one of the selected sites and accepting to take part in the study
• to have regular contacts with animals within job/activity framework
• being committed to take the regular samples

Exclusion criteria

• people who had a broken nose might have difficulties to perform self-swabbing

Trial design

200 participants in 4 patient groups

Avian Influenza Outbreak Farms

Description:

People involved in outbreak management, ranging from poultry farm owners and their family to inspectors through veterinarians and cullers/cleaners, will be invited to take part in the study at the earliest step possible after outbreak detection. Self sampling by nasopharyngeal swab will be requested every 2 days during 2 weeks.

Treatment:

Diagnostic Test: respiratory specimen

Diagnostic Test: serum

Poultry Farm Sentinel Network

Description:

People working in poultry farms and in contact with animals will be invited to join the cohort. Self sampling by nasopharyngeal swab will be requested every 2 weeks for the whole duration of the study. anticipated: 15

Treatment:

Diagnostic Test: respiratory specimen

Wild bird/life Rehabilitation Centre Sentinel Network

Description:

People working in wild bird/life rehabilitation centers and in contact with animals will be invited to join the cohort. Self sampling by nasopharyngeal swab will be requested every 2 weeks for the whole duration of the study. anticipated: 25

Treatment:

Diagnostic Test: respiratory specimen

Pig Industry Veterinarian Sentinel Network

Description:

Veterinarians working in the pig industry and in contact with animals will be invited to join the cohort. Self sampling by nasopharyngeal swab will be requested every 2 weeks for the whole duration of the study. anticipated: 15

Treatment:

Diagnostic Test: respiratory specimen