

Avian Influenza does not just play a very important role in the commercial poultry industry of South Africa, but it has major adverse effect on the already dwindling populations of endangered seabird species like Penguins and Cormorants. Since 2018, South Africa has seen some serious outbreaks of this disease in Swift Terns and Cape Cormorants. The detection of AI is mostly done by PCR testing that is expensive and can take days for the result to be returned. In 2023, a massive outbreak in the poultry industry saw disastrous effects on the food supply of South Africa.
The use of dogs as a possible detection method can be more cost effective and possibly detect the illness early in colonies which could help with the conservation efforts of endangered seabirds like the African Penguin.