FFAR Research Aims to Protect Dairy Cattle Against H5N1

Although bird flu, or H5N1 influenza, had been primarily limited to wild migratory birds and sporadic outbreaks in commercial poultry operations, it was detected in U.S. dairy cows in March 2024. Since then, H5N1 has spread rapidly in dairy cattle across multiple states, and the industry has limited tools to protect their herds. Together, the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research and Purdue University are investing $301,562 into a Rapid Outcomes from Agricultural Research (ROAR) grant to develop an H5N1 vaccine for dairy cows.

While H5N1 does not have high mortality rates in dairy cows, the infection causes decreases milk production and milk quality, causing significant economic losses for farmers. The recent detection of H5N1 in humans, dairy cows and non-traditional host birds indicates that this virus poses new threats to other non-avian species.

Researchers, led by Dr. Suresh Mittal, distinguished professor of virology at Purdue University, are using knowledge gained from prior work on influenza A viruses and a bovine adenoviral vaccine platform to develop a universal influenza vaccine for cows that is expected to be effective against further viral mutations. They will then explore the most effective route of delivery for the vaccine, investigating both intranasal – via the nose – and intramuscular – via the muscle tissue – administration routes. The work will be conducted in collaboration with Dr. Rafael Neves, associate professor of food animal production medicine, and Dr. Ekramy Sayedahmed, assistant professor of poultry medicine at Purdue University.

FFAR’s ROAR program rapidly funds research and outreach in response to emerging or unanticipated threats to the U.S. food supply or agricultural systems.