- The U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded $2 million to study a novel antiviral fogging technology aimed at reducing spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
- The project is led by Purdue University in partnership with Entomol Products and 1,4Group.
- Researchers will evaluate hydrogenated catmint oil (HCO), a compound designed to disrupt influenza viruses in poultry environments.
- The technology is intended for deployment through fogging systems in commercial poultry and egg houses.
- Ohio State University will assist with testing against highly pathogenic strains using specialized BSL-3 laboratory facilities.
A research team led by Purdue University has received $2 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to evaluate a novel antiviral fogging technology designed to combat highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
The project brings together Purdue University, Entomol Products LLC, and technology developer 1,4Group to test hydrogenated catmint oil (HCO) as a potential tool for reducing viral transmission in poultry production environments.
Testing an Antiviral Biosecurity Approach
The study will investigate whether aerosolized HCO can disrupt avian influenza viruses in poultry houses. The compound is derived from catmint oil and has shown antiviral activity in laboratory studies when dispersed in the air or applied to surfaces.
Researchers will examine the compound’s antiviral activity, evaluate its safety in chickens, and test its effectiveness in real-world poultry housing conditions.
If successful, the technology could provide poultry producers with a new biosecurity measure designed to reduce airborne transmission of avian influenza within commercial poultry and egg facilities.
Collaborative Research Effort
Under the project framework, Entomol Products will coordinate the research program and optimize fogging parameters used to deploy the technology. 1,4Group will develop emitter systems capable of distributing the antiviral compound throughout large-scale poultry houses.
Purdue University researchers will conduct controlled studies measuring reductions in virus levels in air, on surfaces, and in birds exposed to the treatment.
Ohio State University will support the project by conducting efficacy testing against highly pathogenic avian influenza strains in biosafety level 3 (BSL‑3) laboratory facilities.
Ongoing Avian Influenza Threat
Highly pathogenic avian influenza continues to pose significant risks to poultry health and food supply chains. According to USDA data, outbreaks since 2022 have resulted in the loss of more than 90 million poultry in the United States and billions of dollars in economic impacts.
The research team said the project aims to develop a scalable biosecurity tool that could help reduce viral spread within poultry facilities and support broader disease control efforts.
Information sourced from the company’s press release.
