SRL Ranbaxy launches bird flu test

SRL Ranbaxy has launched a diagnostic test for bird flu that could be employed for mass-screening with near accurate results within a day.

"Ranbaxy's RT-PCR Test, which is highly robust, has been developed indigenously. The fact that results can be reported within a day makes it extremely useful to fight any emergency situations like epidemics," an official statement said today.

Other tests available in the market for bird flu take two to ten days to diagnose the presence of virus, the statement added.

Janak Singh Bajwa, group director of SRL Ranbaxy, said: "India has not reported any case of bird flu in humans or birds. We must prepare ourselves if it arrives in India, and be prepared to respond adequately if we are to contain the disease before it gets out of control."

The tests will cost between Rs 1,200-2,500, he said, adding "the test will be available across 550 centres in over 350 cities."

Bird flu is an infection caused by avian (bird) influenza (flu) viruses that occur naturally among birds.