Researchers to develop universal influenza vaccine for cattle

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Researchers at Purdue University are working to develop a universal influenza vaccine for cattle, which includes protection against the highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1). The university is receiving a $301,562 grant for the study from the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research’s (FFAR) grant program, titled Rapid Outcomes from Agricultural Research (ROAR), which offers quick funds for research and outreach on emerging or unanticipated threats to the US food supply or agricultural systems.¹

Although cases of H5N1 in United States dairy cattle have slowed down over the last few months, “sporadic” detections of positive cases continue to be reported, according to the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota.¹ On July 11, 2025, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the first positive H5N1 detection in a dairy herd from California since early June.^2,3 To date, 1075 herds across 17 US states have tested positive for the virus.^2,3

“The detection of avian influenza in dairy cattle, with risk of infection to dairy workers, underscores the need to develop effective vaccines for non-avian species. This rapid funding is providing the US dairy industry with urgently needed tools to protect animal health, farmers’ livelihoods and consumers’ wallets,” said Miriam Martin, PhD, scientific program manager at FFAR, in a news release by the foundation.¹

For this latest study, researchers will use previous knowledge obtained from earlier work on influenza A viruses and a bovine adenoviral vaccine platform to create a universal influenza vaccine for cattle. According to FFAR, the vaccine is projected to have effectiveness against viral mutations as well.

The team, which will be led by Suresh K. Mittal, DVM, PhD, distinguished professor of virology at Purdue, will also investigate the best method for administering the vaccine. To do this, they will explore intranasal and intramuscular delivery routes.

“Because this vector system is so universal, we can use it for any agent and for any host,” said Mittal in the news release.¹ "The research outcomes will result in an effective vaccine for H5N1 in cattle.”

The study will be carried out in concert with Rafael C. Neves, DVM, MSc, PhD, associate professor of food animal production medicine, and Ekramy Sayedahmed, BVM, MS, PhD, assistant professor of poultry medicine, both of whom are associated with Purdue.

The study is not the first to receive a grant from the FFAR for its research on an H5N1 vaccine. Earlier this year, the foundation awarded a startup mRNA/nanoparticle animal vaccine company based in Iowa a $278,163 grant.⁴ In addition to using the funds to develop an H5N1 vaccine for cattle, the company, Genvax Technologies, is using diagnostic tools to differentiate between infected and vaccinated cattle. Genvax is also leading experiments to ensure the tools also work for calves. The research is being led by Hank Harris, DVM, PhD, cofounder of Genvax and emeritus professor of Iowa State University. The company plans to submit data from the studies to the US Department of Agriculture’s Center for Veterinary Biologics with the aim of obtaining a conditional license that will allow them to use the vaccine on dairy farms.⁴

References

1. FFAR research aims to protect dairy cattle against H5N1. News release. Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research. June 25, 2025. Accessed July 15, 2025. https://foundationfar.org/news/ffar-research-aims-to-protect-dairy-cattle-against-h5n1/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Schnirring L. Quick takes: More H5N1 in dairy cattle, US COVID wastewater uptick, polio in Pakistan. Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy University of Minnesota. July 11, 2025. Accessed July 15, 2025. https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/avian-influenza-bird-flu/quick-takes-more-h5n1-dairy-cattle-us-covid-wastewater-uptick-polio
3. HPAI confirmed cases in livestock. US Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. July 9, 2025. Accessed July 15, 2025. US Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/hpai-confirmed-cases-livestock
4. FFAR grant develops H5N1 vaccine for dairy cows. News release. Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research. April 23, 2025. Accessed July 15, 2025. https://foundationfar.org/news/ffar-rapid-research-develops-h5n1-vaccine-for-dairy-cows/?utm_source=chatgpt.com