Emergency funding granted for avian influenza research

In response to a critical need in the industry, U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) has approved $550,000 in emergency funding to support further avian influenza research and communication. These projects are to be completed on a fast track over the next several months, and address some of the most critical questions and issues that arose from the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak this past spring.
“Our industry has been greatly impacted by the avian influenza virus, and a number of critical needs have been identified for research and communication outreach. USPOULTRY is investing significant funds to help address these priority needs,” said Sherman Miller, Cal-Maine Foods, Jackson, MS, and USPOULTRY chairman.
The following avian influenza projects have been approved for funding.

• Formaldehyde Inactivation of Avian Influenza Virus in Poultry Feed, Auburn University
• Inactivation of Avian Influenza Virus in Poultry Litter, Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory, USDA-ARS
• Developing a HPAI Planning Tool for Poultry Farms, University of Minnesota
• Humane Depopulation of Poultry, Researcher to be determined
• Onsite Holding of Sexually Immature Turkey Hens during Periods of Mandatory Disease Quarantine, Michigan State University
• Rapid Disposal of Poultry Carcasses Following Depopulation, USPOULTRY Board Research Initiative pre-proposals are currently being sought on this research topic with pre-proposals due Nov. 6.
• “ALL IN OR ALL GONE” - HPAI Biosecurity Outreach Program, Funding is provided to help expand the biosecurity outreach program developed by the Georgia Poultry Federation to other states.

“We will continue to focus on additional needs, addressing HPAI over the next several months, and soliciting research, communication or training projects that help prepare the industry for the presence of avian influenza,” remarked John Starkey, USPOULTRY president.