AMES, Iowa (April 23, 2025) – Although avian influenza outbreaks previously infected only wild birds and poultry, the current H5N1 virus has spread for the first time to dairy cows, with no preventative measures available to protect U.S. herds. Together, the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research and Genvax Technologies are investing $278,163 into a Rapid Outcomes from Agricultural Research (ROAR) grant to develop an H5N1 vaccine for dairy cows. 

Because H5N1 is an emerging pathogen in cattle, no vaccines are available. The first case of H5N1 in cattle was reported in March 2024. Since then, over 1,000 cases have been confirmed in 17 states. The virus lodges in the mammary glands of dairy cows, adversely affecting the color and quality of their milk and significantly reducing production, while causing only mild symptoms in the animals. 

“The cross-species spread of H5N1 presents a new significant challenge to controlling the spread of this virus,” said Dr. Angela Records, FFAR chief scientific officer. “Providing farmers with the tools they need to protect their dairy cows quickly is vital to protecting the U.S. dairy industry. This rapid funding will assist researchers in developing a vaccine and getting it to farmers.” 

Researchers led by Dr. Hank Harris, co-founder of Genvax Technologies, are developing a vaccine to prevent H5N1 in cows. They will also use diagnostic tools to differentiate between infected and vaccinated cows and conduct experiments to confirm that these diagnostic tools are effective in calves. Data from these studies will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Center for Veterinary Biologics to attain a conditional license to use the vaccine on dairy farms. 

“An H5N1 outbreak in cattle threatens not just milk supply but consumer confidence and trade.” said Dr. Harris. “By accelerating vaccine development with our rapid response platform technology, we aim to give farmers the tools they need to stay ahead of this evolving threat and safeguard the economic backbone of rural America.” 

FFAR’s ROAR program rapidly funds research and outreach in response to emerging or unanticipated threats to the U.S. food supply or agricultural systems. 

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About Genvax Technologies 

Headquartered in Ames, Iowa, Genvax Technologies develops novel vaccines for the prevention and treatment of animal diseases, including Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and other economically significant diseases of livestock. 

Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research 

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) builds public-private partnerships to fund bold research addressing big food and agriculture challenges. FFAR was established in the 2014 Farm Bill to increase public agriculture research investments, fill knowledge gaps and complement the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s research agenda. FFAR’s model matches federal funding from Congress with private funding, delivering a powerful return on taxpayer investment. Through collaboration and partnerships, FFAR advances actionable science benefiting farmers, consumers and the environment. 

Connect: @FoundationFAR