A team of microbiologists at Montana State University will expand their research into highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) with a $1.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, according to a March 16 announcement by the university.
The project aims to deepen understanding of HPAI, also known as bird flu, which has caused significant economic losses in agriculture and affected wildlife and humans in recent years. The funding supports three years of research using advanced facilities and technologies at Montana State University.
Assistant professor Emma Loveday leads the investigation, joined by professors Diane Bimczok, Matt Taylor, and Ron June. Their work will focus on how viral infection impacts cells in the chicken intestine. “Knowing how infection differentially impacts cells can help us understand how the flu viruses grow, spread and propagate, which could open doors for treatment or prevention,” Loveday said.
The USDA initiative follows an instance in 2024 when avian flu spread to dairy cattle—one of the first known cases of cross-species transmission—and since then HPAI has been identified in dairy cattle across 19 states but not in Montana. Over the past four years, H5N1 has led to lethal disease among wildlife throughout North and South America and more than 70 human cases have been reported, though these remain rare.
Loveday noted that while several vaccines are being developed for HPAI, their effectiveness is uncertain and vaccination may restrict producers from selling meat due to food safety regulations. She said understanding virus movement and developing prevention strategies may be more effective: “How do we help the industry manage this problem? Because when you have an outbreak on a farm, you have to cull all your birds,” Loveday said. “Vaccination may not prevent full cases of disease, so it becomes this balance of finding the best strategy.”
The MSU study distinguishes itself by examining cellular-level effects using organoids—miniature organs cultivated in labs—to observe responses to infection. These organoids and data will be shared with other researchers as well.
Jovanka Voyich, head of the Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, praised Loveday’s leadership: “This award reflects not only Emma’s strong expertise but also her ability to bring scientists together through collaboration. By connecting talented researchers, she has built a dynamic team capable of tackling one of today’s most pressing challenges in infectious disease research.” The team will use MSU’s Bioimaging and Analytical Core Labs as well as its Jutila Research Laboratory—a biosafety facility built to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention BSL3 specifications—for their work.
Bimczok is an expert in organoid models; Taylor specializes in viral evolution; each faculty member will oversee graduate students involved in hands-on research experiences unique within Montana.
“When the HPAI grand challenge call came out, we knew we had the expertise to be competitive,’” Loveday said. “With our complementary expertise, we have a great team that has worked and published together before. Our prior experience and commitment to innovative and rigorous science is what sets this group apart.”
Montana State University leads statewide research funding with annual expenditures exceeding $288 million according to its official website. The university contributes through volunteer efforts, outreach programs, and research aimed at improving lives and environments according to its official website. It ranks among the top five percent of global universities per the Center for World University Rankings according to its official website.
Enrollment stands at approximately 17,165 students split evenly between residents and nonresidents according to its official website. As Montana’s land-grant institution based in Bozeman, MSU focuses on research, education, community outreach according to its official website, serving both state needs and broader communities according to its official website. The university offers extensive academic programs alongside access to outdoor recreation amid vast wilderness areas according to its official website.