Scientists at Guelph Target Avian Threat

Saving Birds with Guelph Innovation

The University of Guelph (U of G) is actively engaged against the spread of avian flu. Experts from a variety of departments, including virology, engineering, veterinary medicine, and computer science, are working together to stop this growing threat. 

“This is not just a crisis for the poultry industry,” says Dr. Shayan Sharif, immunology professor at U of G’s Ontario Veterinary College (OVC). “This is a crisis for humanity.” 

At the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Dr. Claire Jardine leads testing of wild animal samples to identify the virus early. Samples that test positive are sent to national labs to help track the disease across Canada. She is also researching what makes some farms more vulnerable, aiming to improve biosecurity. 

On the digital front, computer science professor Dr. Rozita Dara uses artificial intelligence to predict flu outbreaks using social media trends, weather data, and satellite images. Her goal is to build a decision support tool for emergency use, which could guide health responses and limit spread. 

In the labs, researchers are testing different vaccines. Dr. Sharif is looking for the perfect bird flu vaccine—one that is affordable, effective, and prevents virus shedding. From mRNA technology to egg-injected vaccines, each method has pros and cons. 

Other U of G experts like Dr. Scott Weese and Dr. Zvonimir Poljak study how the disease spreads, while others focus on improving outbreak response systems through the One Health approach. 

“We need the support of governments – federal, provincial and territorial,” said Dr. Shayan Sharif. “In the meantime, what we can do as researchers is de-silo our activities and work together. The virus certainly cannot be conquered if we work alone.”   

Photo Credit: Univeristy of Guelph 

Photo Caption: Photo caption:  Dr. Shayan Sharif and his lab team, left to right: Dr. Fatemeh Fazel, Janan Shoja Doost, Maya Dayoub, Dr. Shayan Sharif, Dr. Nitish Boodhoo, Marzieha Soltani Koupaei and Mina Khoshbazm Farimeni