Scientist in a lab coat adjusting laboratory equipment. Scientist in a lab coat adjusting laboratory equipment.

FFAR Funds Research to Mitigate Airborne Transmission of Avian Flu

Knoxville, TN

  • Production Systems

As H5N1 influenza, commonly known as bird flu, continues to threaten U.S. poultry and dairy farms, new strategies are needed to curb its transmission. In response, the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) and the University of Tennessee are investing $300,000 in a Rapid Outcomes from Agricultural Research (ROAR) grant to explore the efficacy of ultraviolet (UV) technology in inactivating the virus.

Though H5N1 has been devastating the U.S. poultry industry since an unprecedented 2014 outbreak, it has become a growing threat to dairy cows. As of November 2025, 403 dairy herds across 14 states had confirmed infections. How the virus is transmitted among farms and across species remains unclear, but airborne transmission is believed to play a role in its spread.

Scientist adjusting laboratory equipment while a colleague observes.

Researchers led by Dr. Yang Zhao, associate professor and Guthrie endowed chair professor of animal science at the University of Tennessee (UT), are testing the efficacy of UV technology in inactivating airborne avian influenza virus. They will also explore technology maintenance requirements and best practices to support optimal protection in the barn. This technology could provide producers with a rapid-response tool to help protect their operations when nearby infections are identified and airborne transmission is suspected.

Studies have shown the presence of H5N1 in air samples from infected dairy farms, creating the potential for airborne transmission of the virus between animals. Addressing this concern quickly is crucial to protecting food production. FFAR’s rapid funding will help deliver solutions to dairy farmers.

 Miriam Martin LeValley, Ph.D.
Scientific Program Manager

FFAR’s ROAR program rapidly funds research and outreach in response to emerging or unanticipated threats to the U.S. food supply or agricultural systems.

Yang Zhao, Ph.D.

Traditional biosecurity measures that restrict or limit human and vehicle movement among farms have played a critical role in controlling conventional transmission pathways of avian influenza. However, additional strategies are needed to address emerging concerns about disease spread through airborne routes. I am excited to collaborate with my UT colleagues, Dr. Jacquline Risalvato and Dr. Liz Eckelkamp, and to work with FFAR to explore practical and affordable solutions aimed at mitigating airborne transmission of avian influenza and safeguarding the dairy, poultry, and other susceptible livestock industries.

 Yang Zhao, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Guthrie Endowed Chair Professor, Animal Science, University of Tennessee

###

Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) builds public-private partnerships to fund bold research addressing big food and agriculture challenges. FFAR was established in the 2014 Farm Bill to increase public agriculture research investments, fill knowledge gaps and complement the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s research agenda. FFAR’s model matches federal funding from Congress with private funding, delivering a powerful return on taxpayer investment. Through collaboration and partnerships, FFAR advances actionable science benefiting farmers, consumers and the environment.

Connect: @FoundationFAR 

ID: 24-001291