Real-time RT-PCR, usually based around the hydrolysis probe or ‘TaqMan®’ method for
generation of the target-specific fluorescence signal, has become the method of choice in many
laboratories for at least partial diagnosis directly from clinical specimens. The method offers
rapid results, with sensitivity and specificity comparable to virus isolation. These are ideal
qualities for influenza A outbreak management, where the period of time in which an
unequivocal diagnosis can be obtained is crucial for decision making by the relevant Veterinary
Authority. In addition, real-time RT-PCR systems can be designed to operate in a 96-well format
and combined with high-throughput robotic RNA extraction from specimens (Agüero et al.,
2007).