ATCC Awarded Funding for USDA HPAI Poultry Innovation Grand Challenge
Advancing Biosecurity Through High-quality Reference Materials for Poultry Health
ATCC has been selected by USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for its first contract under the FY2025 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Poultry Innovation Grand Challenge (award ID# APP 96576). Standing out among more than 450 applicants, ATCC will help drive new strategies to safeguard poultry health and strengthen biosecurity nationwide. This award builds on decades of collaboration with USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and the National Bio and Agro Defense Facility (NBAF).
Under this cooperative agreement, ATCC will develop well-characterized reference materials to advance research on novel therapeutics and vaccines targeting highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in poultry. These standardized materials will ensure reproducibility and reliability in HPAI studies, enabling scientists and developers to accelerate the creation of effective interventions. High-quality reference materials are essential for accurate detection and the development of targeted interventions—ultimately safeguarding the agricultural economy.
Beyond poultry health, this work plays a critical role in pandemic preparedness. Highly pathogenic avian influenza, including H5N1 strains, poses a risk not only to agricultural systems but also to public health. By providing consistent, high-quality reagents, ATCC helps researchers develop tools that can prevent outbreaks from escalating into crises—supporting effective biosecurity measures and emergency response strategies.
Rebecca Bradford, MBA, MS, PMP, senior vice president of Federal Solutions at ATCC, shared “This award underscores ATCC’s commitment to supporting national biosecurity and advancing scientific innovation. In a world where H5N1 and other emerging threats can disrupt food systems and public health, our work helps build resilience and readiness for what’s next.”
As HPAI and other emerging threats continue to challenge global health and food security, ATCC’s expertise and commitment to quality make it an essential partner in preparedness. By delivering rigorously authenticated reference materials, validated standards, and leveraging advanced bioinformatics, ATCC is helping researchers accelerate solutions that safeguard public health and strengthen resilience against future pandemics.
Learn more about ATCC’s role in advancing global health and biosecurity.
