Highly pathogenic avian influenza (hpai), a member of avian influenza a virus (AIV) poses a serious threat to the poultry industry, other livestock sectors, companion animals, human health, and the…

The Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service awarded a $1.337 million Cooperative Agreement to the Regents of the University of Minnesota on February 2, 2026, under the Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care program (CFDA 10.025) to develop turkey-specific in vitro and in vivo models for studying avian influenza virus infectivity and host responses.

The award funds development of immune-epithelial organoid models representing the respiratory, intestinal, and reproductive tracts—the primary mucosal routes of infection in turkeys—incorporating both epithelial and immune cells to reflect natural tissue environments. The project builds on previously developed turkey reproductive tract organoids to identify early response genes and pathways activated by low and highly pathogenic avian influenza strains. In parallel, the recipient will establish a small, cost-effective in vivo model using hormone-induced, oviduct-matured turkey poults to simulate breeder hen physiology and evaluate avian influenza infectivity through the reproductive tract in a controlled and scalable manner. Deliverables include identification of early infection markers in the reproductive tract for use in detection, treatment, or genetic selection purposes.

Work is performed in Minnesota with a period of performance through February 1, 2029. The award obligates $1,337,388.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (hpai), a member of avian influenza a virus (AIV) poses a serious threat to the poultry industry, other livestock sectors, companion animals, human health, and the broader economy. Although chickens have been the primary focus of AIV research, turkeys are equally affected and yet understudied. Turkeys differ from chickens in immunity, metabolism, and reproductive physiology, and are more susceptible to AIV infections. Weekly artificial insemination in turkey breeders introduces an additional route of viral entry through the reproductive tract, further increasing the risk of infection. Despite these differences, relatively little research has focused on understanding the basis of turkey susceptibility, response to viral infection, viral entry through the reproductive tracts, and turkeyspecific treatments. One major GAP is the absence of robust, physiologically relevant in vitro and in vivo models that reflect turkey biology. The purpose of this agreement is to develop turkey-specific models to study AIV infectivity, host responses, and potential interventions. We will build on our previously developed turkey reproductive tract organoids to identify early response genes and pathways activated by low and highly pathogenic AIV strains. In addition, we will generate new immune-epithelial organoid models for the respiratory, intestinal, and reproductive tracts, the primary mucosal routes of infection. These models will include both epithelial and immune cells to mimic the natural tissue environment. In parallel, we will establish a small, cost-effective, and manipulable in vivo model using hormone-induced, oviduct-matured turkey poults to simulate breeder HEN physiology. This model will allow US to evaluate AIV infectivity through the reproductive tract in a controlled and scalable manner. Deliverables include identification of early infection markers in the reproductive tract for use in detection, treatment, or genetic selection for disease resistance. Turkey-specific reproductive, respiratory, and intestinal immune-epithelial organoid models and a validated in vivo model will also be generated. Expected outcomes include improved understanding of AIV infection in the turkey reproductive tract and practical tools for researchers and industry. Intended beneficiaries include the U.S. Turkey industry, turkey and poultry health researchers, livestock industry, and consumers.