#United States #Purdue University #Avian Influenza #Tallahassee, Florida #Entomol Products

Purdue University Tackles Avian Influenza with Antiviral Technology

The threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has loomed large over the poultry industry and global food supply chains. Recently, Purdue University, in collaboration with Entomol and 1,4Group, has been awarded a substantial grant of $2 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This funding aims to spearhead research focused on a novel antiviral fogging technology that has the potential to combat HPAI effectively.

Understanding the Challenge

Avian influenza has already caused the death of over 90 million poultry in the United States since 2022, leading to substantial economic repercussions estimated in the billions. The spread of this disease poses a significant threat not only to poultry health but also to food security and farmers' livelihoods.

Innovative Approach to Combat HPAI

Under the guidance of Dr. Ekramy Sayedahmed, an Assistant Professor of Poultry Medicine at Purdue University's College of Veterinary Medicine, the research will explore the use of hydrogenated catmint oil (HCO) to target and inhibit HPAI viruses in poultry environments. Dr. Sayedahmed's research primarily focuses on developing vaccines and molecular virology dedicated to avian influenza. He highlights that HCO is a natural compound that can disrupt the virus's capability to reproduce when deployed strategically in poultry facilities.

Research Phases and Collaborations

The project involves several phases; primarily, the research team will conduct laboratory tests to measure HCO’s antiviral properties and evaluate its safety in chickens. The researchers also plan to explore the effectiveness of this technology in actual poultry housing conditions. According to Mark Sloneker, the CEO of Entomol Products LLC, their hydrogenated catmint oil technology has shown promise in recent studies; it has effectively disrupted influenza viruses in both airborne and surface settings at low concentrations.

The practical deployment of this technology will be achieved through fogging systems in commercial poultry and egg houses, where aerial transmission of viruses is a significant concern. This project is building upon earlier research that demonstrated the effectiveness of HCO in combating H1N1 viruses.

Project Roles

Each partner brings valuable expertise to the table. Entomol is responsible for coordinating the overall research effort and optimizing fogging methods, while 1,4Group will engineer the necessary equipment to implement this technology efficiently in large-scale poultry operations. Additionally, Ohio State University will contribute by testing the effectiveness of HCO against highly pathogenic strains using specialized laboratories.

Positive Outlook for Poultry Industry

Should this research yield successful outcomes, poultry producers could benefit from a new, cost-effective tool aimed at enhancing biosecurity and reducing the airborne transmission of the avian influenza virus. Dr. Sayedahmed expresses optimism about the implications of HCO, asserting that it embodies not only a potential therapeutic solution but a sustainable strategy for the poultry sector.

Investing in such innovative solutions is essential for protecting animal welfare, ensuring food safety, and securing the livelihoods of farmers affected by outbreaks. If proven effective, this groundbreaking research could lead to a significant advancement in combating avian influenza, offering a practical approach to one of the most pressing challenges faced by the poultry industry today.