Researchers at the University of Guelph are developing Canada's first bird flu vaccine for commercial poultry using mRNA technology, addressing a critical gap in the country's avian influenza prevention strategy. The project, led by PhD student Fatemeh Fazel under the supervision of leading bird flu researcher Shayan Sharif, represents a significant advancement in veterinary vaccine development.
mRNA Platform Offers Adaptability for Rapidly Mutating Virus
The research team has chosen mRNA technology for its high adaptability, particularly suited for combating avian influenza's rapid mutation capabilities. "This is great a tool we can develop to control the virus," Fazel explained. The mRNA platform, which has been available for three decades, allows researchers to make targeted adjustments rather than developing entirely new vaccines for emerging strains.
"You make adjustments for a new virus, and your mRNA vaccine becomes suitable for a new strain," Sharif noted, highlighting the platform's flexibility compared to traditional vaccine development approaches that require "starting from scratch."
Innovative Administration Methods for Large-Scale Deployment
The vaccine is being optimized for nasal administration to facilitate easier vaccination of large poultry flocks on commercial farms. Additionally, the research team is exploring direct injection into eggs days before hatching, offering multiple deployment strategies for different farming scenarios.
Fazel's work specifically targets low pathogenic avian influenza, addressing a significant need in Canada's poultry industry. Currently, Canada does not have a bird flu vaccine for commercial poultry operations, instead relying on monitoring strategies to track outbreaks.
Promising Preliminary Results with Timeline for Availability
The research has yielded positive preliminary results, though Fazel acknowledges substantial work remains before commercial deployment. "We are trying to optimize it and get the better response, but I would say there are many more steps to get to the point that the vaccine be used in commercial farms," she stated.
Based on current technological capabilities, Fazel projects the earliest version of the vaccine could become available "within a few months," representing a rapid development timeline for veterinary vaccine standards.
Broader Public Health Implications
The vaccine development extends beyond poultry protection, with researchers emphasizing the broader public health implications. The ultimate goal is to control virus circulation within chicken populations and prevent transmission to other susceptible hosts, including humans.
"We need to find innovative and creative ways to face it, and I believe this project can be one of those," Fazel said. The research team recognizes the importance of staying ahead of viral mutations, with the mRNA platform providing the necessary adaptability and rapid development capabilities required for influenza viruses.
The project represents a collaborative effort between international expertise and Canadian research infrastructure, with Fazel bringing her pathobiology background from Iran to complete her PhD under Sharif's guidance at the University of Guelph.
