Reducing the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza in milk and dairy products
Official title: Mitigation of Highly pathogenic influenza (HPAI) in milk and dairy products
Funded at Cornell University · NIH-11180542 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into whether the H5N1 bird flu virus can be found in dairy cows and if it can contaminate their milk, so we can find ways to keep both cows and people safe from the virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cornell University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,150,000 |
| NIH project number | 1U18FD008488-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11180542 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include dairy farmers and consumers of dairy products who may be at risk of exposure to HPAI.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume dairy products or are not involved in dairy farming may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the presence of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus in dairy cattle and its potential to contaminate milk. The project focuses on understanding how the virus replicates in the mammary glands of infected cows, leading to high levels of virus shedding in their milk. By addressing the risks associated with raw milk handling on farms, the research aims to develop strategies to mitigate the spread of HPAI, thereby protecting both animal and human health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the risk of HPAI transmission through dairy products, enhancing food safety for consumers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in mitigating similar zoonotic risks in food products, indicating that this approach has potential for effective outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Cornell University
Ithaca, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Diel, Diego G — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Diel, Diego G
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.