April 9, 2025  

          
USDA to invest up to US$100 million in projects on fighting avian influenza

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced it is investing up to US$100 million in projects on avian influenza prevention, therapeutics, research, and vaccines.

According to the USDA, the decision was made in consultation with the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Proposals that focus on one or more of the following areas will be prioritized:

    - Development of novel therapeutics to address highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in poultry;

    - Development of novel vaccines to protect poultry from HPAI;

    - Research to better understand risk pathways of avian influenza for producers and to inform improved biosecurity and response strategies.

Therapeutic interventions aimed at preventing avian influenza and treating infected flocks will be tested for efficacy by the USDA.

Additionally, the USDA and the HHS will research prevention strategies to encourage biosecurity in humans and agriculture. The move is aimed at lowering the impact of avian influenza on US farmers, according to the USDA.

The deadline to submit a proposal and apply for funding is May 19.

The USDA is also looking for vaccine candidates. Candidates must be:

    - Well matched to circulating clades;

    - Compatible with the ability to differentiate vaccinated from infected animals (DIVA), as well as with serologic testing schema;

    - Providing sterilizing or long-duration immunity;

    - Requiring hands-off delivery for protection in chickens and turkeys;

    - Safe, potent, effective.

"While USDA is exploring the viability of vaccinating poultry for HPAI, the use of any vaccine has not been authorized at this time," wrote the USDA in its announcement. "Before making a determination, USDA, in consultation with HHS, CDC, NIH, and FDA will solicit feedback from governors, State departments of agriculture, veterinarians, farmers, the public health system, and the American public."

The funding plan, which is aimed at curbing HPAI, protecting the US poultry industry, and lowering egg prices, comes after the USDA announced in February a US$1 billion strategy focused on combating avian influenza. Of this funding, US$500 million will support biosecurity measures, US$400 million will offer financial relief for affected farmers, and US$100 million will go toward vaccine research, action to decrease regulatory burdens, and exploring temporary import options.

- dvm360