Develop a novel vaccine to protect poultry from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI)

The Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service awarded Colorado State University a $2,015,677 cooperative agreement on February 2, 2026, to develop a novel probiotic-based vaccine protecting poultry from highly pathogenic avian influenza. The award funds work under the Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care program (CFDA 10.025).

The project will construct vaccine candidates using Lactobacillus acidophilus as a platform and test them for immunogenicity and efficacy through challenge studies using two oral dosing methods. The vaccine will address specific poultry industry needs including protection of day-1 chicks and adult birds, efficacy in the presence of maternal immunity, and durability of protection. The deliverable vaccine will be orally delivered through water, safe and efficacious across multiple avian species regardless of age, easy to differentiate from infected animals (DIVA), quick to adapt to circulating clades, and ready for large-scale manufacturing and distribution using existing infrastructure and workflows.

Colorado State University's Sponsored Programs division serves as the recipient. Work is performed at Fort Collins, Colorado. The period of performance runs from February 2, 2026, through February 1, 2029. The obligated amount is $2,015,677.

Objective 1 will construct vaccine candidates using the probiotic, lactobacillus acidophilus, as a platform. The constructs will be tested for immunogenicity and efficacy in a challenge study using two oral dosing methods. Objective 2 will test the candidate vaccine to address specific needs of the poultry industry including protection of day 1 chicks and adults, protection in the face of maternal immunity, and durability of protection. The project will deliver a novel vaccine to protect poultry from HPAI. This probiotic-based vaccine will be 1.) orally delivered through water, 2.) safe and efficacious across multiple avian species regardless of age, 3.) easy to differentiate from infected animals (DIVA), 4.) quick to adapt to circulating clades, 5.) ready for large-scale manufacturing and distribution using existing infrastructure and workflows.