AGES Expands Wastewater Surveillance to Monitor Influenza and RSV Across Austria

The Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES) has broadened its wastewater surveillance program, now including Influenza A and B as well as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in addition to SARS-CoV-2. This initiative aims to enhance the detection and monitoring of respiratory pathogens throughout the country, supporting public health preparedness and response.

The expanded monitoring system involves the systematic collection of 24-hour composite wastewater samples from 20 treatment facilities distributed nationwide. These samples are transported under controlled conditions to AGES laboratories, where they undergo molecular biological analysis. The objective is to quantify viral loads and identify circulating variants of SARS-CoV-2, Influenza, and RSV in real time. The surveillance results are published daily on the AGES wastewater platform and made available as open data to ensure transparency and facilitate further research.

Previously, the responsibility for wastewater-based monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 was held by the Medical University of Innsbruck and the Research Center for Molecular Medicine (CeMM) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences. With the AGES now serving as the central reference institution, the program benefits from unified coordination, streamlined laboratory procedures, and improved dissemination of findings both domestically and to international partners.

This comprehensive monitoring allows for timely detection of trends and potential outbreaks of respiratory viruses. By integrating early warning functions and trend analysis, the system supports authorities in making informed decisions about public health interventions and planning. The adaptability of the surveillance program enables adjustments in the frequency and selection of pathogens under observation, aligning with current epidemiological needs and in close cooperation with AGES epidemiologists.

The long-term implementation of wastewater monitoring aligns with the latest European Union municipal wastewater directive, which requires rapid monitoring of pathogens in the event of a public health emergency. Embedding this program within AGES also supports the One Health framework, promoting an integrated perspective that considers the interconnected health of humans, animals, and the environment.

By expanding its surveillance capabilities beyond SARS-CoV-2, Austria strengthens its preparedness for seasonal and emerging respiratory diseases. The integration of comprehensive data collection, analysis, and public reporting ensures that stakeholders have timely access to critical information, facilitating proactive measures to protect public health nationwide.