USDA Concludes $100 Million HPAI Research Funding Round

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has concluded its competitive funding round offering up to $100 million for projects focused on the prevention and control of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). This funding formed part of the USDA’s broader $1 billion strategy aimed at safeguarding the U.S. poultry industry, bolstering food security, and ultimately helping stabilize egg prices amid recurring HPAI outbreaks.

Focus Areas of the Closed Call

The initiative prioritized:

• Development of innovative HPAI vaccines compatible with DIVA (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals) protocols
• Creation of novel therapeutics and hands-free vaccine delivery technologies suited for commercial poultry flocks
• Research into transmission dynamics, biosecurity enhancements, and epidemiological modeling

The USDA sought collaborative proposals from a broad pool of eligible entities, including universities, nonprofits, small businesses, producer and veterinary organizations, and select international institutions.

Strategic Coordination and Impact

This funding round was coordinated in partnership with CDC, NIH, FDA, and HHS, ensuring a whole-of-government approach to tackling the evolving threat of avian influenza. By driving forward cutting-edge scientific solutions and practical interventions, the USDA aims to protect poultry producers, reduce economic losses, and safeguard public health.

What’s Next?

While this particular call for proposals has now closed, the USDA continues to support ongoing research and surveillance efforts across sectors. Future funding opportunities may be announced as part of its long-term HPAI preparedness and response strategy.