Purdue researchers test catmint oil fogging to control avian influenza in poultry

USA – Purdue University researchers and partners are testing a hydrogenated catmint oil fogging system that could reduce avian influenza virus levels in poultry houses while protecting bird health and production.

The study is supported by a US$2 million grant from the US Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and led by Dr Ekramy Sayedahmed, assistant professor of poultry medicine at Purdue University.

Researchers from Purdue, The Ohio State University, Entomol Products and 1,4GROUP will assess whether the plant-based mist can reduce virus levels in the air and on surfaces without affecting bird performance.

The technology uses fogging equipment to distribute a fine mist of hydrogenated catmint oil, derived from Nepeta cataria, at controlled intervals throughout poultry houses.

“Controlling the disease is not an easy step, especially something like highly pathogenic avian influenza,” said Sayedahmed. 

“It’s not only a disease of birds; it’s a zoonotic disease, and it jumps from birds to other mammals.”

Testing effects on poultry health and performance

Trials will examine the mist’s ability to reduce virus levels while monitoring bird health, weight gain, feed conversion and egg production.

Previous proof-of-concept tests found that low concentrations of hydrogenated catmint oil could destroy the lipid membrane surrounding viruses, potentially preventing them from entering cells and replicating.

The researchers will initially use a mild Newcastle disease virus strain in live poultry trials, while testing the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus will be conducted in Biosafety Level 3 laboratories at Ohio State.

Sayedahmed said the technology could eventually provide an additional layer of protection against HPAI and other respiratory viruses.

“If we have something that can inactivate the virus in the environment before reaching the birds, this will be great,” he said.

If successful, the technology could complement vaccination and biosecurity measures while reducing disease-related losses and the need for emergency veterinary interventions.

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