Grant: Catalyst Grant: Avian Influenza OneHealth Research

Avian influenza, often referred to as bird flu, represents a major hazard to poultry farms, causing substantial economic damage and posing serious health risks. Our research aims to develop innovative solutions to prevent the spread of this virus in poultry farms by combining advanced ventilation systems with ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) technology. Ventilation systems help control airflow and remove airborne contaminants, while UVGI uses ultraviolet light to disinfect the air by killing viruses and bacteria. Our project will focus on creating and testing a new ventilation system that incorporates UVGI technology to effectively reduce the transmission of avian influenza. We will use computer simulations to design the optimal system and conduct experiments in a laboratory setting to validate our models. By using a surrogate virus similar to avian influenza, we can safely study the effectiveness of our system in a controlled environment. This research will provide practical guidelines for implementing these advanced systems in poultry farms, significantly improving biosecurity measures. The ultimate goal is to create a safer environment for poultry, reduce the economic impact of bird flu outbreaks, and protect the health of farm workers. Our innovative approach could also serve as a model for preventing the spread of other infectious diseases in agricultural settings. By supporting this research, we aim to contribute to the sustainability and resilience of the poultry industry, ensuring a reliable and safe food supply while safeguarding public health. This project represents a crucial step towards using modern technology to tackle longstanding challenges in agriculture and public health.