Researchers from the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine received a $1.5 million cooperative agreement grant from USDA to work on collaborative projects on avian influenza. The goals are better understanding of disease transmission and mitigating the impacts of the disease on dairy herds and the broader agriculture industry.
The presence of bird flu in U.S. dairy cattle was first confirmed in early 2024, renewing urgent concerns for animal and farmworker health and the dairy supply chain. The virus has been far less lethal to cows than it is for poultry. However, researchers say the growing recognition of interspecies transmission underscores the necessity for immediate scientific investigation.
There have been 68 confirmed cases in humans with one death. The collaboration among research teams will include experts in virology, epidemiology, microbiology, veterinary medicine, and agricultural biosecurity.
Nine projects funded under the grant will contribute to safeguarding human and animal health.
NAFB news service
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