What's Happening?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has allocated $2 million to a research team led by Purdue University to evaluate a novel antiviral fogging technology aimed at combating high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). This initiative, involving partners
Entomol and 1,4Group, seeks to develop a therapeutic approach using hydrogenated catmint oil (HCO) to inhibit the virus in poultry environments. Dr. Ekramy Sayedahmed, Assistant Professor of Poultry Medicine at Purdue University, is spearheading the project, which aims to reduce viral spread and enhance biosecurity in poultry facilities. The technology, designed for deployment through fogging systems, targets airborne virus transmission, a major driver of outbreaks. Previous research demonstrated HCO's ability to disrupt influenza viruses in the air and on surfaces, and the current project will further assess its efficacy and safety in real-world conditions.
Why It's Important?
The outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza has resulted in the loss of over 90 million poultry in the United States since 2022, leading to significant economic losses and supply disruptions. The development of effective antiviral technologies is crucial for safeguarding poultry health and ensuring food security. This project represents a potential breakthrough in biosecurity measures, offering a cost-effective solution to reduce airborne viral transmission in commercial poultry facilities. Success in this research could provide poultry producers with a practical tool to protect their flocks, thereby supporting animal welfare and farmers' livelihoods.
What's Next?
The research team will conduct controlled trials to measure the effectiveness of aerosolized HCO in reducing avian influenza virus titers in air, on surfaces, and in birds. Ohio State University will assist with efficacy testing against highly pathogenic strains using specialized laboratory facilities. If successful, the technology could be widely adopted by poultry producers, enhancing biosecurity and reducing the impact of HPAI outbreaks. The project will continue to optimize fogging parameters and evaluate antiviral efficacy, with the potential to transform poultry industry practices.
