Kansas State scientists develop insect feed vaccine to protect poultry
Researchers at Kansas State University are exploring a new way to protect poultry from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), a disease that threatens global animal health and food security. Their innovative project focuses on using mealworms, commonly included in poultry feed, to deliver vaccines to birds.
The research team includes experts from the College of Veterinary Medicine and the Department of Entomology. The goal is to develop a vaccine that can be delivered orally through feed supplements, making it easier for poultry producers to vaccinate thousands of birds quickly.
"This is an important advantage as HPAI continues to evolve along migratory routes like the Central Flyway, a major migratory route for wild waterfowl that can carry the virus without appearing ill," said Laura Miller, associate professor of veterinary virology, immunology and genomics.
"Traditional egg-based vaccine systems often require months to adjust, leaving producers vulnerable. Our platform is being designed to be compliant with the Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals protocol, enabling surveillance systems that maintain export eligibility during vaccination campaigns," said Miller.
HPAI is known for spreading rapidly through poultry houses. In many cases, nearly an entire flock can die within 48 hours after infection. Kansas has experienced significant losses, with more than 413,000 birds affected since late 2025.
Under current federal and state regulations, infected flocks must be depopulated to stop the disease from spreading. To support new solutions, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has committed $100 million to research projects focused on prevention, treatment and vaccine development.
In a competitive selection process involving hundreds of proposals, the Kansas State project received nearly $2 million in funding. The research brings together scientists from Kansas State and North Carolina State University.
The scientists are using gene-editing technology to turn mealworms into biological producers of vaccine antigens. These insects can then be included in poultry feed, allowing birds to receive vaccines naturally during feeding.
This approach offers several advantages. It eliminates the need for manual vaccination and reduces stress on animals. The technology may also allow researchers to update vaccines quickly as the virus evolves along migratory bird routes.
Testing and validation will take place in specialized research facilities with high biosecurity standards. The work also supports training for students in areas such as gene editing, biosecurity, and insect farming.
Researchers believe this innovation could strengthen poultry health, support farmers, and help protect consumers by reducing disease risks in the food supply.
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