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Texas A&M researchers test far-UVC light to curb bird flu in poultry

Texas A&M scientists prepare to test far-UVC light for killing bird flu in commercial poultry houses without harming birds.

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A strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, tore through U.S. poultry farms in early 2025, leading to the culling of tens of millions of birds and a surge in egg prices. [1] Far-UVC light differs from conventional germicidal UV light because it can inactivate viruses and bacteria without penetrating deeply enough to damage human or animal skin and eyes. [2] Morgan Farnell, an avian microbiology and immunology professor at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, stated that the current HPAI outbreak began around 2022 and has not ended, with the virus still being found in Texas wildlife. [3] Ziteng "Tim" Xu, a scientist at Texas A&M AgriLife Research, will lead the third and final phase of a multiyear study starting in February to test far-UVC light in real-world commercial poultry conditions. [4] The study will span two years and include four flocks, two raised under summer conditions and two under winter conditions, funded through a $2 million U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service grant. [5] The U.S. poultry industry suffered significant losses and soaring egg prices after a highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak began around 2022 and continued into early 2025. [6]
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  1. A strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, tore through U.S. poultry farms in early 2025, leading to the culling of tens of millions of birds and a surge in egg prices. · Phys.org
  2. Far-UVC light differs from conventional germicidal UV light because it can inactivate viruses and bacteria without penetrating deeply enough to damage human or animal skin and eyes. · Phys.org
  3. Morgan Farnell, an avian microbiology and immunology professor at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, stated that the current HPAI outbreak began around 2022 and has not ended, with the virus still being found in Texas wildlife. · Phys.org
  4. Ziteng "Tim" Xu, a scientist at Texas A&M AgriLife Research, will lead the third and final phase of a multiyear study starting in February to test far-UVC light in real-world commercial poultry conditions. · Phys.org
  5. The study will span two years and include four flocks, two raised under summer conditions and two under winter conditions, funded through a $2 million U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service grant. · Morning Ag Clips
  6. The U.S. poultry industry suffered significant losses and soaring egg prices after a highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak began around 2022 and continued into early 2025. · Morning Ag Clips
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