New International Research Project Launched to Combat Avian Influenza Threats

An ambitious three-year international research initiative has been introduced to tackle the escalating global threat of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A viruses (HPAIV).

Overview of the Project

The project, titled Comprehensive Analysis of Transmission, Tropism, and Livestock Epidemiology of Avian Influenza Viruses, is funded by the EU Partnership on Animal Health and Welfare (EUPAHW). It is spearheaded by the University of Copenhagen and involves collaboration with four prominent European partners, including The Pirbright Institute.

Context and Importance

Since 2022, H5 HPAIVs have attained panzootic status, significantly widening their geographic and host range. This alarming spread has led to extensive outbreaks among both wild birds and domesticated poultry, resulting in mass mortality and severe economic ramifications. Furthermore, there is growing concern over the potential spillover into mammalian species, including livestock and humans.

Expert Insights

Professor Ian Brown OBE, the Project Lead and Group Leader in Avian Virology at The Pirbright Institute, commented:

“We are pleased to announce the launch of this important new project. Current threat levels from H5 avian influenza viruses in the UK and Europe are high, and the possibility of spread to livestock species such as dairy cattle and pigs cannot be excluded. Our work will focus on evaluating vaccination strategies as emergency interventions and assessing immune responses to inform the future use of available vaccines.”

Concerns over mammalian infections are significant, as spillover events provide opportunities for viral adaptation, heightening zoonotic risks. The list of mammal hosts infected with HPAIV is increasing, with suspected mammal-to-mammal transmission cases reported. Recent outbreaks in dairy cattle in the U.S. have underscored new reservoirs within livestock populations.

Collaborative Expertise

The project also involves:

• Professor Lars Erik Larsen from the University of Copenhagen
• Drs Laurence Finot and Delphine Payros from INRAE, France
• Professor Dr Martin Schwemmle from the University of Freiburg, Germany

Professor Larsen stated:

“Each of us brings specialist research skills to this EUPAHW project. I lead a research group focused on viral dynamics in production animals, wildlife, and companion animals, bridging molecular research with field impact. We have produced significant work in diagnostics, vaccine innovation, and understanding virus transmission, including insights into H5N1 avian flu in cows.”

Project Structure and Objectives

The project is organized around three interconnected work packages:

I. Viral Genetics and Molecular Characterization

Researchers will analyze H5 HPAIV at a molecular level using in vitro assays to identify key genetic markers, further validated through reverse genetics.

II. Mammalian Host Susceptibility

This work package focuses on cattle and pigs, investigating viral replication sites, particularly within the mammary glands of lactating cows. Advanced histopathological and transcriptomic methods will be employed on infected tissues and mammary gland organoids.

III. Immune Responses and Vaccination Strategies

This package will evaluate antibody-mediated immune responses in livestock and explore innovative vaccination strategies, including mRNA, viral vectors, and subunit vaccines. All approaches will be designed to support DIVA (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals) strategies and consider multiple H5 antigens for enhanced cross-species protection.

Researchers will also examine various immunization routes to optimize immune responses in cattle udders and pig respiratory systems, utilizing cutting-edge immunological tools. Extensive assessments of both systemic and localized immune responses will be directed by a multidisciplinary expert team, including specialists in cattle and swine immunology and mechanisms of vaccine escape.

Learn More

For additional information about The Pirbright Institute’s work on Avian Influenza, please visit our website.