By integrating innovative biotechnology and a comprehensive understanding of viral-host interactions, this approach aims to signific antly mitigate the threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza…

The Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service awarded the University of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc. a cooperative agreement totaling $1,789,340 on February 2, 2026, under the Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care program (CFDA 10.025).

The award funds development and validation of natural compounds as oral prophylaxis against highly pathogenic avian influenza in poultry. The recipient will evaluate natural compounds individually and in combination for immunomodulatory and antiviral activity against HPAI through in vitro testing using multiple tissue culture systems, then optimize dosage and delivery routes (via feed or water) and assess efficacy against HPAIV infection in laying hens. Work includes investigation of immune response stimulation, viral evolution monitoring, microbiome impact assessment, and synergistic effect testing of compound combinations in chickens to establish improved administration regimens. Deliverables include compounds with demonstrated increased resistance to HPAIV, optimized administration regimens for compound combinations, clinical and immunological data, histopathological analysis, viral evolution and microbiome data, and scientific publications to support licensing of compounds for agricultural use.

Performance occurs at Athens, Georgia through February 1, 2029. The work aims to validate interventions that reduce HPAIV infection, mortality, and transmission in poultry, benefiting the U.S. egg and poultry industries.

By integrating innovative biotechnology and a comprehensive understanding of viral-host interactions, this approach aims to signific antly mitigate the threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in poultry through oral prophylaxis. This agreement evaluates the potential of natural compounds, alone and in combination, as immunomodulators and antivirals against HPAI. We will test each compound and compound combination for their safety and mechanisms of action in vitro using different tissue culture systems. Follow up studies will optimize dosage and delivery routes (via feed or water) and assess their efficacy against hpaiv infection in laying hens. In addition, we will investigate the immune response stimulated by compounds, monitor viral evolution, and study the impact of interventions on the microbiome. Finally, compound combinations will be assessed in chickens for their synergistic effect and to establish improved regimens to promote animal health. Deliverables include compounds with proven effect in increased resistance to hpaiv, administration regimens for compound combinations, clinical, immunological, and histopathological data, viral evolution and microbiome analysis, scientific publications and other reports that will help advance licensing of the compounds for agricultural use. The project will validate interventions to increase resistance to hpaiv infection, mortality, and transmission in poultry, paving the way for targeted therapies that promote a healthy balance and resilience against infections. Hence, the project will benefit the US EGG and poultry industries, representing a substantial investment in the future of both animal and human health, with the potential to yield transformative results that extend far beyond avian influenza.