Development and testing of a robust and adaptable vaccine platform against highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses

Lead Applicant: Shayan Sharif

Research Priority: Animal Health & Welfare

Program Type: Tier 1

Funding Cycle: 2024/2025

Research Centre: NA

Research Summary: Although avian influenza viruses mostly infect poultry and other avian and mammalian species, they can also infect humans. Therefore, they are regarded as zoonotic viruses. If highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks spread widely and are not quickly controlled, they could threaten the global poultry industry. Repercussions of such outbreaks may also affect other food animal industries, including the pork industry. Importantly, highly pathogenic viruses pose a significant threat to public health. Since late 2021, HPAI H5N1 viruses have been circulating in Canada leading to the destruction of close to 11 million poultry. In the US, the same virus has led to the destruction of more than 97 million poultry, causing a major impact on the poultry industry. Despite that, no vaccines are available in Canada to mitigate the risk of HPAI. This project is focused on developing safe and efficacious HPAI vaccines for mucosal delivery.