University of Nebraska researchers develop potential bird flu vaccine for cattle

Researchers at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln have developed a promising vaccine strategy to protect cattle against highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu. The research, led by virologist Eric Weaver, aims to address the unprecedented interspecies transfer of the virus to dairy cattle observed in 2024.

The vaccine platform is designed to target multiple H5N1 strains by providing immunity in both the bloodstream and the respiratory tract. To achieve this, researchers used a combination of intramuscular and intranasal delivery methods. In preclinical models involving mice and dairy calves, the vaccine produced strong immune responses and offered complete protection against severe disease.

Currently, there are no licensed H5N1 vaccines specifically for cattle. The development of this vaccine could mitigate the impact of avian influenza on agricultural systems and reduce the risk of transmission to farm workers.