Purdue University Receives $2 Million Grant to Combat Avian Influenza with Innovative Technology

A research team led by Purdue University, in collaboration with partners Entomol and 1,4Group, has been awarded $2 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). This funding aims to evaluate a novel antiviral fogging technology designed to combat the high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), a pressing concern for poultry health and the global food supply.

Focused Leadership in Research

The project is spearheaded by Dr. Ekramy Sayedahmed, who serves as an assistant professor of Poultry Medicine at Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Sayedahmed’s expertise lies in avian influenza vaccines and molecular virology, making him well-suited to lead this critical initiative.

Targeting Viral Propagation

“At Purdue University, our research team, along with Entomol, will develop a new therapeutic approach using hydrogenated catmint oil (HCO), a product from Entomol Products, LLC,” stated Dr. Sayedahmed. “This innovative method intends to directly target and suppress the virus in poultry environments, potentially offering farmers a viable solution to safeguard their flocks.”

The Impact of HPAI on Poultry

According to USDA data, highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks have resulted in the loss of over 90 million poultry in the United States since 2022, causing economic damages in the billions and ongoing supply chain disruptions. The new fogging technology will be deployed in commercial poultry and egg houses, where the airborne transmission of the virus is a significant vector for outbreaks.

Scientific Rigor and Practical Application

Dr. Sayedahmed elaborated, “Hydrogenated catmint oil is a natural compound that disrupts the virus’s ability to replicate when strategically used in poultry facilities. Our research involves rigorous lab testing of HCO’s antiviral properties, safety assessments in chickens, and evaluations of its effectiveness in actual poultry housing conditions.”

Entomol’s Promising Technology

“Entomol’s hydrogenated catmint oil technology has shown the capacity to disrupt influenza viruses in the air and on surfaces at very low concentrations,” remarked Mark Sloneker, CEO of Entomol Products, LLC. “This project, supported by the USDA, will enable us to thoroughly assess its potential as a practical biosecurity tool for poultry producers.”

Collaborative Research Efforts

The project builds upon earlier research conducted at the University of South Wales in Australia, where hydrogenated catmint oil was applied as an antimicrobial spatial treatment. Researchers observed that very small concentrations of aerosolized HCO were effective in disrupting H1N1 influenza in both the air and on contact surfaces.

Roles of Participating Institutions

• Entomol will oversee the program, focusing on optimizing fogging parameters and assessing antiviral efficacy.
• 1,4Group will design and develop emitter systems for deploying the technology in large-scale commercial poultry facilities.
• Purdue University will conduct controlled trials to measure the effectiveness of aerosolized HCO against avian influenza virus in various environments.
• Ohio State University, as a subcontractor, will assist in efficacy testing against highly pathogenic strains in specialized BSL-3 laboratory facilities.

Looking Toward the Future

“We are optimistic about the potential of HCO, not only as a therapeutic agent but as a sustainable strategy for the poultry industry,” Dr. Sayedahmed concluded. “Protecting flocks ensures animal welfare, secures food supply, and supports farmers’ livelihoods. This initiative represents a significant advancement in controlling avian influenza and enhancing animal health solutions. If successful, the research could provide poultry producers with a cost-effective biosecurity tool to minimize airborne viral transmission in commercial facilities.”

Source: Entomol