The US Department of Agriculture recently announced it is investing up to $100 million in projects on avian influenza prevention, therapeutics, research, and vaccines. According to the USDA, the decision was made in consultation with the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).1
The USDA will provide funding to eligible entities through a competitive process. Eligible establishments include2:
- For-profit organizations (including manufacturers and vaccines, biologics, and therapeutics), non-US organizations, and non-domestic components of US organizations
- Colleges and universities
- State, national, allied, or regional producer organizations with a direct or significant economic interest in poultry production
- State, national, allied, or regional veterinary organizations or specialty boards recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Federal agencies
- Nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) IRS status, other than higher education institutions
- State departments of agriculture
- State emergency agencies
- Small businesses
Proposals that focus on one or more of the following areas will be prioritized1:
- Development of novel therapeutics to address highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in poultry
- Development of novel vaccines to protect poultry from HPAI
- Research to better understand risk pathways of avian influenza for producers and to inform improved biosecurity and response strategies
Therapeutic interventions aimed at preventing avian influenza and treating infected flocks will be tested for efficacy by the USDA. Additionally, the USDA and the HHS will research prevention strategies to encourage biosecurity in humans and agriculture. The move is aimed at lowering the impact of avian influenza on American farmers, according to the USDA.1
The deadline to submit a proposal and apply for funding is May 19, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET. Applicants must have a Login.gov account and be registered with the US Government System for Award Management, which can take at least 10 business days to process. Applicants will also need to create an ezFedGrants account, where the application forms will be completed.2 Additional application instructions can be found on the APHIS website. Information can also be found on the ezFedGrants website or Grants.gov by searching USDA-APHIS-10025-VSSP0000-25-0015.
The USDA is also looking for vaccine candidates. Candidates must be1:
- Well matched to circulating clades
- Compatible with the ability to differentiate vaccinated from infected animals (DIVA), as well as with serologic testing schema
- Providing sterilizing or long-duration immunity
- Requiring hands-off delivery for protection in chickens and turkeys
- Safe, potent, effective
“While USDA is exploring the viability of vaccinating poultry for HPAI; the use of any vaccine has not been authorized at this time,” wrote the USDA in its announcement.1 “Before making a determination, USDA, in consultation with HHS, CDC, NIH, and FDA will solicit feedback from governors, State departments of agriculture, veterinarians, farmers, the public health system, and the American public.”
The funding plan, which is aimed at curbing HPAI, protecting the US poultry industry, and lowering egg prices, comes after the USDA announced in February a $1 billion strategy focused on combating avian influenza. Of this funding, $500 million will support biosecurity measures, $400 million will offer financial relief for affected farmers, and $100 million will go toward vaccine research, action to decrease regulatory burdens, and exploring temporary import options.3
References
- USDA announces next steps in the effort to support the fight against avian influenza. News release. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. March 20, 2025. Accessed April 7, 2025. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/usda-announces-next-steps-effort-support-fight-against-avian-influenza#:~:text=USDA%20will%20invest%20up%20to,support%20America's%20farmers%20and%20ranchers.
- Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) poultry innovation grand challenge funding opportunity. April 2, 2025. US Department of Agriculture. Accessed April 7, 2025. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/funding/hpai-poultry-innovation-grand-challenge
- USDA invests up to $1 billion to combat avian flu and reduce egg prices. News release. US Department of Agriculture. February 26, 2025. Accessed April 7, 2025. https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2025/02/26/usda-invests-1-billion-combat-avian-flu-and-reduce-egg-prices
