Associate professor Daniel R Perez says that the grant would be essential to continue research, education, outreach and development programs
Avian influenza researchers have received $5m to conduct further studies into the disease in animals and humans. 
Photo: University of Maryland
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has given a second grant to the University of Maryland (UMd)-based Prevention and Control of Avian Influenza coordinated Agricultural Project, the AICAP. The project, which conducts basic research and develops education, diagnostics, vaccines and education on the virus, was established with the first USDA $5m grant in 2005.
Associate professor Daniel R Perez, a UMd associate professor and virologist, said that the grant would be essential to continue "groundbreaking research", education, outreach and development programs.
He said the project had provided new insights into the molecular basis of avian influenza and the risks of the virus, but more research into the disease was still needed.
To date, the AICAP has established the first continent-wide network to study the ecological and biological characteristics of avian influenza viruses isolated from wild birds. It has developed a research and education program for poultry producers, trained veterinarians in the US, Canada and Brazil on culling flocks with the virus and has developed potential vaccines for the mass immunization of birds.
Associate professor Perez expects to develop more integrated research and education projects that will benefit the poultry industry within the next three years.
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