H5N1 influenza, commonly known as bird flu, continues to threaten U.S. poultry and egg production. The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) and Entomol Products LLC are investing $448,940 in a Rapid Outcomes from Agricultural Research (ROAR) grant to test an innovative, plant-based approach to reduce transmission of avian influenza. Researchers are determining whether intermittently fogging or misting hydrogenated catmint oil (HCO), a product with demonstrated antiviral properties, in poultry housing can interrupt transmission of avian influenza viruses.
Avian influenza has severe economic consequences for the U.S. poultry and egg industries. The virus spreads rapidly among birds and leads to mass depopulation of infected flocks. This influenza virus is classified as High or Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza based on how it affects poultry. Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses cause severe disease and high mortality in infected poultry, while low pathogenic avian influenza is a mild or asymptomatic viral infection.
HCO is a modified plant essential oil and an EPA-registered active ingredient used in commercially available insect repellents. Previous research found that aerosolized formulations containing HCO significantly reduced H1N1 influenza virus in the air. Led by Dr. David Hallahan, chief science officer at Entomol, and Dr. Ekramy Sayedahmed, assistant professor of poultry medicine at Purdue University, researchers are testing whether HCO can reduce avian influenza transmission. The researchers are using low pathogenic avian influenza to evaluate HCO’s antiviral effects against avian influenza and inform its potential application against highly pathogenic avian influenza. The team is also establishing effective aerosol delivery parameters, including HCO concentration, fogging duration and frequency, effective range and overall efficacy.