Researchers from the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences are preparing to test a new potential line of defense against avian influenza, HPAI.
They will use a form of ultraviolet light called far-UVC, to see if it can kill HPAI, without harming birds on poultry farms.
Morgan Farnell, Ph.D., avian microbiology and immunology professor, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service program leader and associate department head in the Texas A&M Department of Poultry Science, and Ziteng “Tim” Xu, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Research smart technologies in poultry production scientist and assistant professor, Department of Poultry Science, will lead the multiyear study, examining whether far-UVC light can reduce airborne pathogen loads inside commercial poultry houses. Far-UVC light differs from conventional germicidal UV light because it can inactivate viruses and bacteria without penetrating deeply enough to damage human or animal skin and eyes. Far-UVC light is of interest as an anti- pathogen tool because it could be used safely in occupied spaces such as hospitals, clinics, classrooms, restaurants and poultry houses.
Using artificial intelligence- assisted camera tracking, researchers also will monitor whether the light will affect the behavior, circadian rhythms and growth performance in the chickens.
The project is expected to span two years and include four flocks, two raised under summer conditions and two under winter conditions. It will be funded through a $2 million USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service grant .