THE AVIAN INFLUENZA OUTBREAK

Staying Ahead of H5N1

Emerging Threats to Animal, Food and Human Safety

The Threat of H5N1 Avian Influenza

The H5N1 avian influenza virus has spread to dairy cows in the U.S., posing significant risks to animal health, farm operations, and market demand. Ginkgo has developed a cross-species transmission map, using updated USDA data, to track the evolving scale and nature of this threat.

The Challenges of Eradication and Containment

Eradicating the virus or fully isolating farms, cows, or humans from its effects is likely to be very difficult, highlighting the need for proactive measures to address its impact.

Responding to the Threat

To mitigate the risks, priority must be placed on providing farmers with Medical Countermeasures (MCMs) such as vaccines and therapeutics. These measures are essential for maintaining animal health, ensuring the continuity of farm operations, and preserving economic stability.

Response

The Path to Vaccines and Therapeutics

At the moment, there are no known MCMs that will help preserve the health of cows against the impact of H5N1. While efforts are underway, they require precise information (bioinformatics) about the virus. Genomic analysis allows us to develop vaccines and therapeutics that are targeted and efficient, to prevent outbreaks and negative outcomes.

The virus evolves over time, however, meaning no single genomic “snapshot” will be useful on its own. Instead, we are setting out to provide persistent surveillance of the genomic sequence of H5N1 using widespread analysis. Importantly, these methods must not disrupt farm operations, or compromise the privacy of farms or of people.

The GAP Program

Genomic Surveillance Using Anonymized Milk Samples

Ginkgo Biosecurity proposes a persistent genomic analysis program for dairy farms, called GAP (Genomic Analysis Program).

The GAP initiative leverages the existing practice of pooling and sampling milk for food safety, and adds the capability to generate genomic analysis of the H5N1 virus. This provides critical data for the science needed to respond to the virus, without adding any extra burden to farmers or the systems they depend upon.

Non Invasive Process
No additional time or logistics for farms
Does not record source of the milk
Captures only the genomic data of the H5N1 virus

How it works

Milk Collection and Shipment

Milk is collected from bulk tanks at the farm or from hauling trucks at dairy processing plants and de-identified samples are sent to the laboratory.

Testing and Sequencing

Real-time PCR methods detect the presence of H5N1, followed by genomic sequencing for positive samples.

Data Sharing

Results (bioinformatic and epidemiological analyses) are used to inform disease management, prevention strategies, and the development of medical countermeasures. The source and identity of the sample is not associated with this data.

Inquire with us about our services, start a program, or develop a new solution to your biosecurity problems with a member of our team today.

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