Maryland Researchers Lead the Charge Against Bird Flu Threats
- nerasaes
- Jan 16
- 3 min read
Article by Stacey Stearns, UConn Extension
As Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) continues to challenge poultry producers and public health systems worldwide, the University of Maryland (UMD) College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is at the forefront of research to understand, prevent, and mitigate its impact. From modeling virus evolution to developing vaccines and improving biosecurity, UMD scientists are delivering solutions that protect both animal and human health.
Why Bird Flu Matters
Bird flu is more than a poultry industry problem—it’s a global health concern. Researchers are working to close knowledge gaps about how the virus spreads, evolves, and crosses species barriers.
Key research highlights include
Predicting Outbreaks: UMD’s Grand Challenges team has developed “organ in a petri-dish” (organoid) models from different bird species that sustain avian influenza virus infection. These models are now being used to determine how avian influenza viruses evolve, helping to identify strains most likely to spread. This predictive work informs surveillance and preparedness strategies.
Biosecurity Solutions: A September 2025 UMD-led study confirmed that strong biosecurity practices can significantly reduce bird flu risks on farms. Researchers like Andrew Broadbent and Jennifer Mullinax are studying environmental factors and farm management practices to provide actionable guidance for producers.
Cross-Species Transmission: A UMD-led global review conducted in partnership with the UMD School of Public Health showed an alarming spike in bird flu infections among domestic cats in recent years, raising concerns about feline health and the potential role of cats in virus spillover to humans. Additional findings from a UMD-led outbreak investigation show that with early supportive care and antiviral treatment, house cats can survive bird flu infections and may maintain protection against reinfection for several months post-recovery. The study highlights the importance of monitoring pets for the disease as well as identifying potential transmission routes. Kristen Coleman is leading efforts to understand these dynamics.
Vaccine Development: Professor Xiaoping Zhu is pioneering a nasal spray vaccine for cattle, aiming to block viral infection and prevent the virus from jumping to humans. Dr Andrew Broadbent at UMCP and Dr Lynda Coughlan at UMB are working together to develop a non-replicative adenoviral vectored vaccine for chickens to prevent HPAI caused by H5N1.
Surveillance and Risk Assessment: Epidemiologist Mostafa Ghanem leads applied research and outreach efforts focused on on-farm biosecurity, risk assessment, and decision support tools for commercial poultry operations. His work emphasizes identifying practical gaps in farm practices, improving biosecurity compliance, and translating science into actionable guidance that producers can implement during HPAI outbreaks and high-risk periods. In addition, Kristen Coleman and Heather Amato from the UMD School of Public Health worked in collaboration with UMD Extension’s Jeff Semler to conduct a pilot environmental surveillance study on MD dairy farms that included a bioaerosol sampling technique Coleman used to detect bird flu in Vietnam's poultry markets.
A Comprehensive Approach
UMD’s work spans four critical areas:
Vaccine Development to stop cross-species transmission.
Biosecurity and Prevention strategies tailored to farm environments.
Surveillance and Risk Assessment for rapid detection and response.
Understanding the Virus through studies of infection mechanisms and evolution.
Looking Ahead
The University of Maryland’s research is shaping the future of avian influenza management. By combining cutting-edge science with practical solutions, these efforts aim to protect food systems, safeguard public health, and prevent the next pandemic. For more details, explore UMD’s bird flu research:
