USU Bioinformatics and Artificial Intelligence Lab Receives $1.9M to Develop Avian Flu Treatments
USU Bioinformatics and Artificial Intelligence Lab Receives $1.9M to Develop Avian Flu Treatments
Publish Date: 2026-02-05 15:18:00
Source Domain: www.usu.edu
- Highly-pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is spreading rapidly among birds and has also affected other species, including cattle and elephant seals, while no human-to-human transmission has occurred yet.
- As of 2024, 71 people have contracted HPAI from animals, with two deaths, highlighting its threat to both agriculture and human health.
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $100 million to fight HPAI, with Utah State University (USU) receiving $1.9 million to develop innovative treatments via AI and machine learning.
- Associate Professor Rakesh Kaundal, leading the KAABiL lab at USU, received the crucial funding to expedite the development of new drugs, therapeutics, and vaccines against HPAI.
- KAABiL’s approach focuses on machine learning to quickly analyze vast datasets, speeding up the identification of effective treatments and reducing time and costs compared to traditional methods.
- The project aims to develop tools for detecting HPAI infections, improved antiviral treatments, and mutation-resistant vaccines, bolstering both agriculture and human health.
- The funding will build advanced computational facilities, establishing an AI and big data ecosystem that will enhance interdisciplinary innovations and workforce development at USU.
- The project aligns with Utah’s aim to use AI for practical benefits, ensuring its transparent, ethical application to real agricultural problems.
