Avian Influenza Grant Program

Several adult turkeys in a barn

The Response to Avian Influenza Grant Program supports research to determine the causes of avian influenza, why some fowl are more susceptible, and what measures could be taken to prevent disease outbreaks. 

Avian influenza grant funding is provided by the Minnesota legislature. Since the program’s inception, research has increased understanding of how avian influenza spreads, improved virus prevention and control measures, and developed new biosecurity and emergency response strategies.

If you are a University of Minnesota researcher interested in apply for a Response to Avian Influenza Grant, visit the MAES intranet.

Response to Avian Influenza Grants

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2021 Response to Avian Influenza Grants

Project Title Principal Investigator
Safe Evaluation of HPAI Airborne Transmission Risk from Surfaces Jiayu Li
Exploring the Cellular and Molecular Determinants of Susceptibility of Minnesota’s Turkeys to Avian Influenza Virus Hin Ly
Response of the Reproductive Tract to Avian Influenza Virus Infection, In Vivo and In Vitro Kahina Ghanem
Intervention Strategies to Combat Avian Influenza Sagar Goyal
Using Transmission Dynamics to Right-Size Outbreak Response to Low Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Amos Ssematimba
Immunological Response in Turkey Breeder Hens to an Influenza DNA Vaccine Zheng Zing

2019 Response to Avian Influenza Grants

Project Title Principal Investigator
Evaluating biosecure entry protocols and educational methods for entry of naïve and experienced persons to a poultry facility Erin Cortus
Using viral interference to limit the spread of avian influenza virus on infected poultry premises Carol Cardona
Effective process and system for inactivation of avian influenza viruses Roger Ruan
What is causing avian influenza? Quantifying the relation between disease outbreaks in Eastern Asia, the patterns of migratory bird movements, and the risk for disease occurrence in Minnesota Andres Perez
System biosecurity strategies to prevent the spread of avian influenza outbreaks Cesar Corzo
Capturing movements of avian influenza vius from wild birds to domestic poultry in Minnesota Marie Culhane
Risk assessment of mortality disposal strategies in an avian influenza outbreak Carol Cardona

2017 Response to Avian Influenza Grants

Project Title  Principal Investigator
Simulation‐Based Demonstration and Education of Pathogen Transmission Risk Around Farms and Operations Erin Cortus
Minimizing avian influenza introductions by changing litter management practices Sally Noll
All Hands on Deck! Preparing for the next Avian Influenza Agricultural Emergency in Minnesota Katey Pelican
Novel Microwave Inactivation of Avian Influenza Viruses Roger Ruan
Exploring the viral composition of influenza in swine to determine if swine have a role in the transmission of avian influenza in Minnesota Montse Torremorell
Defining the role gull species play in the disease ecology of avian influenza in Minnesota Marie Culhane

2015 Response to Avian Influenza Grants

Project Title  Principal Investigator
Exploring between and within region spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Sasi Malladi
Live bird marketing in MN and influenza infection status Carol Cardona
Investigation of Minnesota backyard flocks in highly pathogenic avian influenza control zones and outreach to owners  Larissa Minicucci
Age susceptibility to infection with HPAIV Carol Cardona
Surveillance, biosecurity and vaccination for Minnesota zoos Ava M Trent
Developing and implementing a plan for MN poultry fairs, shows and swap meets Wayne Martin
Improving host resistance with vaccines Zheng Xing
Slotted floors for turkey barns Kevin Janni
Creating a new structural biosecurity and operational biosecurity paradigm Sally Noll
Vegetative windbreaks for poultry farms Gary Wyatt
The economic recovery of the turkey industry in Minnesota and the United States after the 2015 avian influenza outbreak Metin Cakir