In response to a critical need in the industry, the U.S. Poultry & Egg Assn. (USPOULTRY) approved $550,000 in emergency funding to support further avian influenza research and communication.

These projects are to be completed on a fast track over the next several months and address some of the most critical questions and issues that arose from the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak this past spring, USPOULTRY said.

"Our industry has been greatly impacted by the avian influenza virus, and a number of critical needs have been identified for research and communication outreach. USPOULTRY is investing significant funds to help address these priority needs," USPOULTRY chairman Sherman Miller with Cal-Maine Foods said.

The following avian influenza projects have been approved for funding:

* Auburn University: Formaldehyde Inactivation of Avian Influenza Virus in Poultry Feed;

* U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service: Inactivation of Avian Influenza Virus in Poultry Litter;

* University of Minnesota: Developing a HPAI Planning Tool for Poultry Farms;

* To be determined researcher: Humane Depopulation of Poultry;

* Michigan State University: Onsite Holding of Sexually Immature Turkey Hens during Periods of Mandatory Disease Quarantine

* USPOULTRY Board Research Initiative: Rapid Disposal of Poultry Carcasses Following Depopulation (pre-proposals are currently being sought on this research topic with pre-proposals due Nov. 6).

* “ALL IN OR ALL GONE” - HPAI Biosecurity Outreach Program

Funding is provided to help expand the biosecurity outreach program developed by the Georgia Poultry Federation to other states.

"We will continue to focus on additional needs, addressing HPAI over the next several months, and soliciting research, communication or training projects that help prepare the industry for the presence of avian influenza," USPOULTRY president John Starkey added.