Far-UVC Light Tested to Prevent Bird Flu in Poultry Farms
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As commercial poultry operations confront persistent risks from highly pathogenic avian influenza, researchers at Texas A&M University and Columbia University are launching a multiyear field trial to test whether far-ultraviolet light can reduce airborne pathogen loads without harming livestock. Funded by a $2 million Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Poultry Innovation Grand Challenge award from the United States Department of Agriculture, the applied phase beginning in February 2026 seeks to adapt infection-control technology originally designed for human medical centers to agricultural biosecurity.
- Researchers from Texas A&M AgriLife and the Columbia University Center for Radiological Research are testing far-UVC light fixtures inside commercial poultry houses to combat airborne avian influenza transmission.
- Unlike conventional germicidal ultraviolet systems, far-UVC utilizes wavelengths that rapidly inactivate viruses and bacteria while remaining non-penetrating to the skin and eyes of humans and animals.
- The project is backed by a $2 million USDA grant and builds upon foundational isolator studies conducted at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The Agricultural Pathogen Crisis and Federal Funding Response
When a strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza tore through United States poultry farms in early 2025, producers culled tens of millions of birds, driving egg prices to historic highs. Although immediate outbreaks have since slowed, federal officials emphasize that the virus remains active in wildlife reservoirs. According to Morgan Farnell, avian microbiology and immunology professor and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service program leader, the ongoing presence of avian influenza underscores that the pathogen is not endemic in the U.S. and remains a reportable poultry disease requiring robust preventive measures.
To avert future supply chain disruptions, the federal government allocated $100 million in grants targeting vaccines, treatments, and biosecurity innovations. The $2 million USDA grant supporting the Texas A&M and Columbia collaboration directly addresses the urgent need for tools that limit virus dissemination within densely stocked agricultural facilities.
Mechanisms of Action: How Far-UVC Differs from Conventional Disinfection
Conventional germicidal UV light has long been utilized to decontaminate unoccupied spaces by employing wavelengths that disrupt microbial DNA and RNA. However, standard UVC exposure poses severe health risks to living tissue, causing skin and eye damage that precludes its use in occupied environments.
In contrast, far-UVC light operates at shorter wavelengths that effectively neutralize airborne pathogens in droplets and on surfaces while failing to penetrate the outer layer of dead skin cells or the ocular tear layer. According to David Brenner, director of the Columbia University Center for Radiological Research, studies show that far-UVC light offers a safe and practical way to inactivate viruses in the air, thereby reducing transmission risks.
Prior to the upcoming barn trials, researchers at Columbia University, alongside investigators from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, tested the technology’s efficacy against pathogens inside specialized isolators. While these laboratory settings established basic parameters, investigators noted that small isolators do not replicate the complex environmental conditions of commercial farms.
Engineering and Commercial-Scale Trials at Texas A&M
Beginning in February 2026, the research team will transition from controlled laboratory environments to the Barbara J. Huffman and William M. “Bill” Huffman ’53 Poultry Science Farm Complex at Texas A&M University. There, investigators will stock birds at commercial density to evaluate real-world performance.
The operational challenges of agricultural settings present distinct hurdles. According to Ziteng “Tim” Xu, smart technologies in poultry production scientist and assistant professor in the Texas A&M Department of Poultry Science, dust particles inside commercial houses can absorb or scatter ultraviolet radiation before it reaches target areas. Xu’s engineering team will measure exact radiation delivery and utilize artificial intelligence-assisted camera tracking to monitor whether the lighting affects the behavior, circadian rhythms, or growth performance of the chickens.
To establish baseline data regarding the system’s potential impact on highly pathogenic avian influenza strains like H5N1 and the lower-severity H9N2 virus, scientists will utilize air-sampling devices both prior to and following far-UVC exposure, targeting indicator organisms such as coliforms, aerobic bacteria, and Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, Xu is currently engineering a comprehensive sanitation apparatus that pairs far-UVC air purification with UVC-driven positive-pressure airflow alongside automated robotic floor-cleaning units.
Future Biosecurity Implications and Clinical Triage
If the two-year trial proves successful, the underlying engineering and disinfection framework could expand beyond poultry production. Investigators indicate that the technology holds potential for adaptation in swine and dairy operations, addressing broader agricultural biosecurity vulnerabilities.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.