USDA Funds $2M Project to Test Novel Antiviral Fogging Tech Against Avian Flu

Purdue University-led team to evaluate hydrogenated catmint oil's ability to disrupt avian influenza virus in poultry facilities.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 11:05am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly structured abstract painting in muted earth tones, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the complex molecular interactions between the avian influenza virus and a natural antiviral compound.A novel antiviral fogging technology aims to disrupt the spread of avian influenza in commercial poultry facilities, offering a sustainable biosecurity solution for the industry.Columbus Today

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded $2 million to a research team led by Purdue University, along with partners Entomol and 1,4Group, to evaluate a novel antiviral fogging technology using hydrogenated catmint oil (HCO) to combat the ongoing threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in commercial poultry and egg production.

Why it matters

Avian influenza outbreaks have led to the loss of over 90 million poultry in the U.S. since 2022, causing billions in economic damage and supply chain disruptions. This innovative fogging technology aims to provide poultry producers with a cost-effective biosecurity tool to reduce airborne viral transmission and protect flocks.

The details

The project will test HCO's ability to directly target and inhibit the avian influenza virus when deployed through fogging systems in poultry facilities. Researchers will evaluate the antiviral efficacy, safety, and real-world application of the technology in commercial housing conditions.

  • The $2 million USDA grant was awarded in April 2026.

The players

Dr. Ekramy Sayedahmed

The lead investigator and assistant professor of Poultry Medicine at Purdue University's College of Veterinary Medicine, whose research focuses on avian influenza vaccines and molecular virology.

Entomol Products, LLC

A partner organization that will coordinate the program and focus on optimizing fogging parameters and evaluating antiviral efficacy of its hydrogenated catmint oil (HCO) technology.

1,4Group

A partner organization that will design and develop emitter systems capable of deploying the HCO technology in large-scale commercial poultry houses.

Ohio State University

A subcontractor that will assist with efficacy testing against highly pathogenic avian influenza strains using specialized BSL-3 laboratory facilities.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“At Purdue University, our research team along with Entomol will develop a new therapeutic approach using hydrogenated catmint oil (HCO), a product of Entomol Products, LLC, to directly target and inhibit the virus in poultry environments.”

— Dr. Ekramy Sayedahmed, Assistant Professor of Poultry Medicine, Purdue University

“Hydrogenated catmint oil is a natural compound that, when used strategically in poultry facilities, interferes with the virus's ability to propagate.”

— Dr. Ekramy Sayedahmed, Assistant Professor of Poultry Medicine, Purdue University

“Entomol's hydrogenated catmint oil technology has demonstrated the ability to disrupt influenza viruses in the air and on surfaces at very low concentrations.”

— Mark Sloneker, CEO, Entomol Products, LLC

What’s next

The research team will conduct controlled trials at Purdue University and Ohio State University to measure the effectiveness of aerosolized HCO in reducing avian influenza virus titers in air, on surfaces, and in birds.

The takeaway

This USDA-funded project represents a significant step forward in developing innovative biosecurity solutions to combat the ongoing threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza, which has devastated poultry flocks and disrupted the global food supply. If successful, the HCO fogging technology could provide poultry producers with a cost-effective tool to enhance biosecurity and protect animal welfare.