The University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine has secured a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to study how highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) spreads and how to reduce its impact on dairy herds and agriculture.
Since February 2022, HPAI has been detected in U.S. commercial and backyard poultry, wild birds, and an increasing number of mammals. There have been 68 confirmed human cases, including one death.
HPAI was first confirmed in U.S. dairy cattle in early 2024, raising concerns about animal health, farm worker safety, and the dairy supply chain. While less deadly to cows than poultry, the virus still threatens dairy production and can spread across species, making scientific research crucial.
Scott Wells, a professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine, leads a team of experts in virology, epidemiology, microbiology, veterinary medicine, and agricultural biosecurity. The grant funds nine research projects aimed at protecting public health, ensuring food security, and strengthening the dairy sector.
This research coincides with the launch of a national milk surveillance program. The USDA’s strategy to control the disease starts with identifying infected herds so states can implement targeted containment measures. In Minnesota, the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory will conduct surveillance testing.
With major livestock and poultry industries—including turkey, swine, and dairy—Minnesota plays a key role in HPAI research and response. The University of Minnesota’s advanced diagnostic capabilities and interdisciplinary expertise position it as a leader in tackling this challenge.
As HPAI continues to pose global risks, these research projects will help shape future surveillance, response, and prevention strategies. The findings will provide crucial guidance for dairy producers, veterinarians, and policymakers, helping to protect the agricultural industry from emerging diseases.
