Under the microscope: Looking at B.C.’s wastewater surveillance for viruses [Video]

Testing wastewater for diseases and viral activity gained prominence during the pandemic, but scientists are concerned that funding for such work could be threatened.

Monitoring wastewater for pathogens — and even illicit and prescription drugs — was around for decades before the pandemic, but the method of estimating virus levels gained public attention at the peak of the pandemic when it was unclear how much disease was circulating.

The B.C. Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) stepped up its surveillance and now regularly monitors the wastewater from around the province to gauge virus levels — not just for COVID-19, but also for influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Scientists say they hope Canada continues to fund that work. Ontario ended its COVID-19 wastewater surveillance program in July 2024 and a research vacuum is looming south of the border.