Diagnosis and Comprehensive Surveillance of Zoonotic Hepeviruses

WG1 aims to harmonize and strengthen diagnostic and surveillance practices for zoonotic hepeviruses across Europe. Bringing together experts in virology, microbiology, and diagnostics, the group focuses on developing standardized diagnostic protocols for molecular, serological, and genomic methods across veterinary, food, and environmental matrices, including non-traditional samples such as food, surfaces, and wastewater.

WG1 will also evaluate innovative diagnostic technologies (e.g. CRISPR-based tools, biosensors, next-generation sequencing, and point-of-care tests) and assess AI-based surveillance systems for real-time monitoring and early outbreak detection. In parallel, existing European surveillance systems will be reviewed and optimized through evidence-based guidelines.

To support implementation, WG1 will deliver targeted training and knowledge-transfer activities, ensuring wide adoption of harmonized protocols, advanced technologies, and data-driven surveillance approaches across Europe.

This vision underpins ONWARD – the One Health zoonotic Hepevirus Network, a European COST Action (CA24140) approved in 2025. ONWARD brings together experts from across Europe to create the first dedicated platform for zoonotic hepeviruses (HEV and ratHEV), strengthening collaboration in diagnostics, surveillance, clinical management, prevention, and communication across human, animal, food, and environmental health sectors.

What makes ONWARD unique is its strong multidisciplinary foundation and its commitment to empowering early-career researchers as active contributors and leaders. Open, inclusive, and collaborative by design, ONWARD is more than a research network—it is a growing community working together to transform knowledge into action for improved public and animal health across Europe and beyond.