Entomol Partners with Purdue University on $2 Million USDA-Funded Avian Influenza Research

Key Takeaways

• Entomol's hydrogenated catmint oil tested as antiviral fog for poultry
• USDA allocates $2 million to Purdue‑led avian flu research consortium
• Project targets airborne transmission, a key driver of outbreaks
• Proof‑of‑concept from Australia showed HCO disrupts H1N1 viruses
• Successful trials could cut billions in poultry industry losses

Pulse Analysis

The USDA’s $2 million grant reflects a strategic shift toward biologically‑derived disease mitigation in animal agriculture. Traditional disinfectants often require high concentrations and can leave residues that affect bird health and product quality. Hydrogenated catmint oil, a plant‑based compound, offers a low‑toxicity alternative that can be dispersed as a fine mist, reaching hard‑to‑clean surfaces and the airspace where influenza viruses travel. By leveraging fogging technology, producers could achieve continuous, passive protection without interrupting daily operations.

Purdue University’s involvement adds scientific rigor and credibility to the effort. Dr. Ekramy Sayedahmed, an expert in poultry medicine, will design controlled field trials that measure viral load reductions, bird mortality, and any impact on egg production. The collaboration with Entomol and 1,4Group ensures that the research moves quickly from lab to commercial fogging systems, aligning academic insight with industry scalability. Early data from the University of South Wales demonstrated that aerosolized HCO inactivated H1N1, suggesting a broader antiviral spectrum that may include the highly pathogenic avian strains currently ravaging U.S. flocks.

If the trials confirm efficacy, the technology could reshape biosecurity protocols across the sector. Poultry operations would gain a proactive, environmentally friendly tool that complements existing vaccination and culling strategies, potentially lowering the need for costly depopulation events. Moreover, the success of a USDA‑backed natural antiviral could spur additional funding for similar innovations, encouraging a wave of research into plant‑derived antimicrobials for livestock. This aligns with consumer demand for safer, more sustainable food production and could restore confidence in the U.S. poultry supply chain.