Diagnostics are the first line of defense to infectious disease outbreaks. The rapid spread of Influenza A (H5N1) or "Bird Flu" into U.S. dairy cattle, poultry, and humans underscores the urgent need for stronger diagnostic readiness. While sustained human-to-human transmission has not yet occurred with H5N1, the risk is growing. Currently there are knowledge gaps around early case identification measures, clinical management, and coordinated public health efforts.

In response, the National Academies produced a rapid expert consultation providing a strategic and actionable analysis for strengthening domestic diagnostic capacity and infrastructure. This is the first publication of the institution´s new Rapid Response to Emerging Science, Engineering, and Medicine Challenges initiative, which provides a formal platform for proactively building sustainable, crosscutting rapid response capabilities.