White broiler chickens inside a commercial poultry house, with one chicken in focus and others in the background. White broiler chickens inside a commercial poultry house, with one chicken in focus and others in the background.

FFAR Rapid Funding Explores Genetic Immunity to Avian Influenza

Ames, IA

  • Production Systems

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) continues to threaten the U.S. poultry industry, causing billions of dollars in economic losses while disrupting food production and increasing costs for farmers and consumers. The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR), Iowa State University, and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) are investing $300,000 through the Rapid Outcomes from Agricultural Research (ROAR) program to identify genetic factors in birds that are relevant in the host response against H5N1 and H7N9 avian influenza viruses. This research aims to illuminate pathways to modulate the expression of specific host genes to mitigate the avian influenza burden.

Although biosecurity measures remain the primary means of combating avian influenza, the developments since 2022 demonstrate the need for new approaches. There is an increasing request for the deployment of vaccines; however, concerns remain about vaccine effectiveness and virus evolution.

We must explore every possible tool in the toolbox to protect producers and their flocks. Unlocking genetic mechanisms that naturally allow birds to resist infection could pave the way for innovative approaches that better protect flocks, strengthen food security and protect producers’ profitability.

 Miriam Martin LeValley, Ph.D.
Scientific Program Manager

This research is identifying genes involved in birds’ immune responses that influence how the virus infects and replicates. Understanding the role of genetics could better inform treatment protocols, improve disease resistance and strengthen future disease prevention strategies.

Led by Dr. Joaquin Caceres, assistant professor in the Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University, the multidisciplinary research team is using advanced genomic tools and novel laboratory models to better understand how birds respond to H5N1 and H7N9 infections. The project is identifying promising genetic targets for new therapies, supporting the development of next-generation vaccines, and laying the foundation for breeding poultry with greater natural resistance to avian influenza.

This FFAR-funded research supports USDA’s research priority on Increasing Profitability of Farmers and Ranchers. This research aims to provide alternative tools for protecting poultry flocks in the near- and long-term future.

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.

Influenza viruses, like any other virus, are obligate intracellular parasites. Therefore, if we modify the host environment, that must have consequences for the virus,” said Dr. Caceres. “Most current mitigation efforts against influenza are against the virus itself, but the virus has evolved multiple elegant ways to circumvent these strategies. Host-directed interventions may offer a more durable approach because host genetic pathways are substantially more stable than the viral genome.

 Joaquin Caceres, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University

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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: 25-001994