The Aidav project aims to find new methods for the sampling and analysis of respiratory viral agents in cattle. “Samples by deep swab are very rarely carried out in breeding because they are invasive, difficult, time-consuming, and the results are not known for several days”, recalls Élise Vanbergue of the Livestock Institute.
This project studies a compact automaton which could make it possible to detect respiratory viruses in the exhaled air, and to obtain the results in a few minutes at the foot of the animal. “It consists of a silent biocollector using the principle of electrostatics to collect airborne viral particles from the animal’s nose, and a microfluidic board integrating all virus detection steps.”
Identifying respiratory viruses under these conditions would make it possible to adapt prevention and treatment plans. At the level of research and development, this would allow a better understanding of the etiology of respiratory agents and the dynamics of transmission.
The project is piloted by Oniris and the electronics and information technology laboratory of the CEA (Atomic Energy Commission), and involves the Toulouse veterinary school and the Livestock Institute.
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