This technology includes an optimized N.A H7 influenza A virus subtyping real-time (RT)-PCR assay for detection and characterization of N.A A/H7 influenza viruses. Since 1995, infection of poultry with N.A A/H7 influenza viruses has greatly increased, the outbreaks of N.A A/H7 influenza viruses in poultry as well as wild birds occurred many times in Canada, Mexico and USA; meanwhile a number of human infection caused by N.A A/H7 influenza viruses have been confirmed following exposure to infected poultry. The assay may be licensed to commercial entities to manufacture and sell commercial reagents to research and clinical laboratories, and the assay will be in process to obtain clearance under FDA emergency use authorization for domestic human diagnostic testing procedures in the United States if necessary.