Development of a recombinant ELISA using yeast (Pichia pastoris)-expressed polypeptides for detection of antibodies against avian influenza A subtype H5

► Truncated sequences of influenza A virus subtype H5 haemagglutinin could be expressed in yeast Pichia pastoris. ► Recombinant protein-based serological tests may have high sensitivity and specificity than whole cell preparations. ► Recombinant ELISA could be used for determination of antibodies to H5 influenza virus in chickens and ducks.