VIDO Secures New Funding to Tackle the Threat of Avian Influenza
Dec 4, 2024
The Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) has received funding to expand its research on high-path avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) has awarded Catalyst Grants of $150,000 each to two VIDO-led research projects focused on understanding and combating this dangerous virus. These studies aim to address critical gaps in knowledge about HPAI’s impact on livestock, humans, and the environment, ensuring Canada is prepared for potential outbreaks.
What is HPAI and Why Does It Matter?
HPAI, caused by the H5N1 virus, is a highly infectious disease that originates in wild birds and can spread to domestic poultry, mammals, and even humans. Historically rare in North America, HPAI is now present in all major migratory bird flyways, posing significant threats to agriculture, public health, and wildlife conservation.
For the poultry industry, outbreaks can lead to devastating economic losses as entire flocks must be culled to contain the virus. More recently, H5N1 has been detected in dairy cattle in the United States—an alarming development, as cattle were previously considered resistant to influenza A viruses. This new cross-species transmission escalates concerns about the virus’s ability to adapt and spread further, increasing the risk of a pandemic.
Understanding the Virus and Protecting Against Future Outbreaks
VIDO, a University of Saskatchewan research centre has long been a global leader in infectious disease research and vaccine development. Its scientists are working to better understand how HPAI spreads, how it affects different species, and how outbreaks can be controlled. The organization’s unique high-containment facilities allow researchers to safely study H5N1 in large animals like dairy cattle, making VIDO one of the few institutions worldwide equipped to take on this critical research.
VIDO HPAI Projects Funded by CIHR
1. Investigating HPAI in Dairy Cattle
Led by Drs. Antonio Facciuolo, Bryce Warner, and Yan Zhou, this project focuses on understanding how H5N1 infects dairy cattle and the risks associated with this new host. The team will study how the virus is transmitted in cattle, including identifying infection routes and viral shedding patterns. They will also investigate whether Canadian strains of the virus cause disease in cattle and assess the risk of transmission to humans.
By generating evidence-based data, this research aims to inform public health strategies, biosecurity measures, and agricultural practices. The findings will be shared with key stakeholders in public health, the dairy industry, wildlife conservation, and veterinary epidemiology, helping Canada enhance its response to HPAI outbreaks.
2. Exploring Vaccination and Transmission with Ferret Models
Another VIDO project, lead by Dr. Alyson Kelvin will use ferrets, a proven model for influenza research, to study the virus’s behavior and potential interventions.
The research will explore how prior human exposure to seasonal influenza viruses or vaccinations might protect against severe disease from dairy cattle-origin H5N1. Additionally, the team will investigate how H5N1 infects lactating mammary glands, including the virus’ ability to be shed through milk and its associated immune responses. These insights will identify key moments when the virus is most contagious and provide pathways for breaking the transmission chain.
Ultimately, this work will provide critical information on H5N1’s mechanisms, offer strategies for therapeutic interventions, and create a framework for evaluating future vaccines and antiviral treatments.
Building a Safer Future
The funding from CIHR enables VIDO to deepen its research on HPAI at a pivotal moment. By addressing these urgent challenges, VIDO is contributing to Canada’s preparedness for potential outbreaks, protecting livestock and public health, and ensuring the stability of our food supply.
As infectious diseases continue to evolve, VIDO remains committed to advancing the science needed to safeguard communities and industries from emerging threats. These new projects mark another step forward in the fight against HPAI, building a healthier and more resilient future for all.
VIDO receives operating support from the Canada Foundation for Innovation Major Science Initiatives fund and the Government of Saskatchewan through Innovation Saskatchewan and the Ministry of Agriculture.