[Comment] Detection of H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b in external quality assessment programmes: a pandemic preparedness initiative

Recent outbreaks of avian influenza H5N1 infections have caused ripples of pandemic preparedness activities but no truly noticeable waves yet.1,2 An important part of pandemic preparedness is the ability for a fast provision of an appropriate testing infrastructure that delivers reliable test results. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of monitoring the performance of pathogen detection assays and the role of external quality assessment (EQA) programmes in pandemic preparedness.