- FFAR awards $401,802 grant to develop H5N1 vaccine for cattle and swine
- Spillover of avian influenza into livestock raises food security and economic concerns
- No approved H5N1 vaccine currently available for livestock use
- Research focuses on dual-species vaccine with mucosal immunity
- Initiative aims to strengthen biosecurity and protect agricultural systems
H5N1 avian influenza is increasingly infecting livestock, including dairy cattle and swine, prompting new efforts to develop effective prevention tools for producers.
In response, the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR), in partnership with Kansas State University, has awarded a $401,802 Rapid Outcomes from Agricultural Research (ROAR) grant to support development of a vaccine targeting H5N1 in cattle and pigs.
Growing impact beyond poultry
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has already caused significant losses in poultry, with more than 175 million birds affected since 2022 and over $1.4 billion in direct economic damage.
Recent spillover into dairy cattle has introduced additional risks, with outbreaks capable of causing substantial milk production losses at the herd level. The expansion of H5N1 beyond poultry underscores increasing concern for broader animal agriculture sectors.
Urgent need for livestock protection tools
Despite the rising threat, there are currently no approved vaccines available for use in cattle or swine, leaving producers with limited options to mitigate disease spread.
“This rapid funding is crucial to getting cattle and swine producers the tools they urgently need to protect their animals, their livelihoods and the food supply,” said Miriam Martin LeValley, Ph.D., scientific program manager at FFAR.
Advancing a dual-species vaccine approach
The research effort is led by Dr. Waithaka Mwangi, professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology at Kansas State University. The team is working to develop a vaccine designed for use in both cattle and swine, with a focus on inducing mucosal immunity.
The approach aims to improve disease resistance at the primary site of infection while supporting overall herd health and reducing transmission risk.
Strengthening food system resilience
The project aligns with FFAR’s ROAR program, which is designed to rapidly fund research addressing emerging threats to agricultural systems and the U.S. food supply.
By accelerating development of a livestock vaccine, the initiative aims to enhance biosecurity, support agricultural continuity, and reduce the economic impact of future H5N1 outbreaks.
Information sourced from the company’s press release.
