TUCKER, Ga. — In the early 1960s, growing poultry health concerns sparked the Association’s commitment to investing in research that strengthens and sustains the industry. What began with funding for Gumboro disease studies soon expanded into a nationwide effort supporting universities and researchers across all areas of poultry and egg production.
Today, USPOULTRY’s research program continues to reinvest millions into innovative projects addressing health, food safety, sustainability and more. From that first Gumboro disease research project at Auburn University in 1963 to tackling modern challenges like highly pathogenic avian influenza and the resurgence of avian metapneumovirus, this lasting legacy continues to drive progress and innovation across the poultry and egg industry.
Since launching our Comprehensive Research Program, and adjusted for inflation, USPOULTRY has invested $66+ million in research to advance the poultry and egg industry. More than 50 universities, federal agencies and state facilities have received grants over the years. Today, the program encompasses every facet of poultry and egg production and processing.
A committee of 14 dedicated industry professionals carefully reviews each proposal, submitting recommendations to the USPOULTRY Board for approval and funding. Research priorities — guided by input from the industry, board and committee — are re-evaluated every two years to ensure projects remain meaningful and impactful. This collaborative process underscores a hallmark of our history — the unwavering dedication of volunteers who continue to advance our mission.
Established under the guidance of the USPOULTRY and USPOULTRY Foundation boards, the Board Research Initiative was created to address the poultry industry’s most pressing challenges. Building on the Comprehensive Research Program, it directs extra resources to specific, high-impact research priorities.
This year, our Board of Directors, made up of 27 dedicated volunteers from the broiler, turkey and egg industries, approved 14 research grants through the Comprehensive Research Program. The Board’s selection process provides an industry-focused perspective on critical challenges facing our industry and helps direct USPOULTRY’s collective efforts.
These efforts are concentrated on the following key areas:
· Development of Nano-vaccines for Rapid Control of Avian Metapneumovirus in Turkeys.
· Enhancing Salmonella Reduction and Shelf Life of Raw Chicken Parts Using Plasma-Activated Water, Reduced-Concentration Peracetic Acid and Hydrogen Peroxide.
· Tracking and Mitigating Rodent-Mediated Biosecurity Risks in Commercial Poultry Facilities: A Mark-Recapture Study.
· Synergistic Reovirus Immunoprophylaxis: In Ovo Antigen Delivery via MDV Vector and Post-Hatch Nanobody Delivery via Engineered Bacteria.
· Assessing Salmonella-Specific Maternal Antibody Transfer and Its Impact on Vaccine Efficacy, Gut Microbiota, and Salmonella Colonization Resistance in Progeny.
· Development of Novel Newcastle Disease Virus Vaccine Vectored Avian Metapneumovirus Vaccine Candidates for In Ovo or Mucosal Vaccination in Chickens and Turkeys.
· Different Approach to Poultry Welfare Evaluation.
· Improved Monitoring of Salmonella serovar Enteriditis in Broiler Breeder Flocks .
· Genome Wide Association (GWAS) of Campylobacter Hepaticus Causing Disease in Layers Nationally.
· Digital PCR Method for the Detection and Estimation of Salmonella Load in Poultry Samples.
· Dual Biocontrol of Salmonella in Poultry: Targeted Killing Plus Vaccination.
· Investigating the Contribution of Satellite Cell Heterogeneity to Wooden Breast Myopathy.
· Deboning Salmonella Contamination: Does Cross-Contamination During Debone Contribute to Salmonella Contamination in Ground Turkey?
Our Board of Directors also approved funding for seven Board Research Initiative research grants.
The grants address the following current issues:
· Improved Measures for Controlling Blackhead Disease in Turkeys and Chickens.
· Combatting Turkey Coronavirus (TCV) in the Turkey Industry.
· Refining Avian Metapneumovirus Vaccination Strategies for Improved Disease Management.
· Advancing Knowledge and Management of Infectious Coryza in Layers.
· Improving Efficiency in the Delivery of HVT Vector Vaccines.
· One-Shot-Triple Immunity: Novel Universal Live Recombinant NDV Vaccine Expressing the Neutralizing Epitopes of G and F Proteins of Newly Emerged aMPV/ A and B in the U.S.
· Agent-Based Model of Transmission of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Between Wild Birds and Commercial Poultry.
Scientific research has played a vital role in developing the sustainable and efficient poultry and egg industry of today.
Maintaining a strong focus on these research priorities — and on new areas as they emerge — will continue to guide our progress into the future.
Nath Morris is president of the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association with headquarters in Tucker, Ga.
