2025/2026 Research

Inactivation of the ILT Virus Using Dry Heat

Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT) is a contagious respiratory virus that can cause coughing, sneezing, and significant losses in chicken health and production.

ILT virus is hardy in the environment and can spread easily within and between flocks. Because it can linger on surfaces and in barn materials, understanding how to kill or inactivate the virus safely and effectively is critical for controlling outbreaks. Research in this area explores how dry heat (increasing the temperature of poultry house materials and equipment) can destroy the virus so it no longer causes infection.

G. Lorenzoni (Penn State)

$38,527

Building Capacity for Emerging Virus Identification Using Long-Read Sequencing

Penn State researcher M. Martin is building laboratory capacity to quickly identify new and emerging animal viruses using advanced long-read sequencing technology. This approach allows scientists to read large sections of a virus’s genetic material at once, making it easier to accurately identify known viruses and detect new or changing strains.

For farmers, this means faster and more reliable disease detection. Early identification helps veterinarians and producers respond sooner, strengthen biosecurity, and limit the spread of disease, protecting animal health, and reducing losses.

M. Martin (Penn State)

$39,848

Exploring Mental Health Challenges Facing Pennsylvania Farmers

Pennsylvania poultry and swine farmers face increasing pressure from volatile markets, tight margins, and more frequent infectious disease outbreaks such as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). When barns are locked down and flocks or herds are depopulated, families can lose months of income and experience grief, anxiety, and sometimes suicidal thoughts.

This project will partner with producer groups and statewide stakeholders to hear directly from poultry and swine farmers about the stressors they face before, during, and after disease events; how these affect mental health and farm decisions; barriers to seeking help; and what types of support they view as useful.

L. Frank (University of Pittsburgh)

$65,128

Establishing Direct Whole-Genome Sequencing and Molecular Characterization of Avian Metapneumovirus from Clinical Samples in PA

University of Pennsylvania researcher E. Anis is improving how avian metapneumovirus (aMPV), a respiratory disease affecting poultry, is identified in Pennsylvania. By using advanced whole-genome sequencing, her work allows scientists to read the virus’s complete genetic “blueprint” directly from samples taken from sick birds.

This means faster and more accurate answers when birds get sick. Better identification helps veterinarians choose the right response, strengthens disease control and biosecurity efforts, and reduces the risk of ongoing outbreaks.

E. Anis (U Penn/NBC)

$35,955

Evaluation of a Next-generation Sequencing Assay and Cell-free DNA Quantifications for Diagnosis of Neurologic Disease in Small Ruminants

Researchers in veterinary medicine are increasingly using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) tools to help diagnose diseases that are otherwise hard to identify quickly, including neurologic (brain/spinal) diseases.

When a goat or sheep has neurologic symptoms, time is critical. A fast cfDNA + NGS test could detect disease earlier, allow targeted treatment sooner, and reduce guesswork. This is especially useful for conditions where the animal’s recovery depends on quick action.

D. Luethy (U Penn/NBC)

$23,465

Systemic Control in Complex Systems: Understanding Exzolt Efficacy, Environmental Fate, and Host-Parasite Interactions in Poultry Facilities

This looks at a smarter way to control parasites in poultry houses, especially mites, using a systemic treatment called Exzolt.

Instead of spraying chemicals around the barn, Exzolt is given through the birds’ drinking water. The medicine moves through the bird’s body, so when mites bite, they’re exposed to the treatment and die.

E. Machintinger (Penn State)

$111,450

Do Parity-Microbiome Dynamics Influence Pregnancy Outcomes and Pre-Weaning Growth?

This research looks at how an animal’s reproductive history (parity) can affect the gut microbiome, and how those microbiome differences might play a role in pregnancy outcomes (how well the pregnancy goes, fetal development, birth size), growth before weaning, and how microbes are passed from mother to offspring.

Understanding these microbiome dynamics could help farmers raise healthier animals and make smarter breeding and nutrition decisions.

C. Stenhouse (Penn State)

$53,852

Making Pennsylvania a Center for Data, Analytics, and Technology for Artificial Intelligence in Livestock Animal Behavior (DAT-AI-LAB)

Daniel Foy is a tech entrepreneur and co-founder/CEO of AgriGates, a company focused on using data, analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI) to better understand livestock behavior and welfare. He’s working with researchers at universities and animal science centers to collect and analyze data from animals using sensors and smart tech that can track what animals are doing in real time.

This helps farmers understand their herds better, make faster management decisions, and ultimately run healthier, more productive farms.

D. Foy (AgriGates)

$90,500

Understanding Determinants of Optimal Ewe Fertility on PA Farms

Nutrition, ewe health, body condition, breeding management and genetics influence fertility on sheep farms. Understanding the impact of these key factors on fertility will give farmers practical information to increase lamb production and reduce reproductive losses.

Camilla H.K. Hughes, PhD, Assistant Professor of Reproductive Biology (Penn State)
$50,374

Virulence & Antimicrobial Resistance Enterococcus Cecorum Poultry Isolate

This research explores why some strains of Enterococcus cecorum (a bacterium commonly found in poultry) can cause serious diseases, while others do not, and which strains are resistant to commonly used antibiotics. This can help identify disease-causing strains earlier, improve treatment decisions, reduce flock losses, and lead to better strategies for preventing infections.

Philma Glora Muthuraj, BVSc, MVSc, PhD, DACVM (Penn State)
$49,999

Investigating Orthorcovirus as the Cause of Viral Encephalitis in Poultry

Dr. Martins’ research is investigating whether Orthorcovirus may be responsible for cases of viral encephalitis (brain inflammation) in poultry. Understanding the virus and how it causes disease could help farmers and veterinarians identify affected birds sooner, improve prevention and biosecurity practices and reduce illness, mortality and economic losses in poultry flocks.

Mathias Martins, DMV, MS, PhD (Penn State) 
$49,217

Multi-parity Impact of Pen Gestation on Sow Productivity and Welfare

Dr. Parson’s research examines how pen gestation systems affect sow productivity and welfare over multiple pregnancies. This information aims to help farmers make better decisions about housing systems that support healthier, more productive sows, improve animal welfare, and increase the efficiency and profitability of swine operations.

Tom Parsons, VMD, PhD  (U Penn)
 $99,796

Case Control Study of Microbial Population and Foot Pad Dermatitis in Broilers

Dr. Pierdon’s research explores the relationship between the microbes living on and in broiler chickens’ feet and footpad dermatitis, a painful condition caused by irritation and damage to the footpads. Understanding which microbes are associated with the condition could help identify ways to prevent or reduce footpad problems and improve bird welfare, as well as reduce production losses and treatment costs.

Meghann Pierdon, VMD, DACAW (U Penn)
$35,726

Keystone International Livestock Exposition (Sponsorship)

The Keystone International Livestock Exposition is the East Coast’s largest livestock show, featuring competitions, educational events and agricultural career development.

KILE
$5,000

On-Farm Animal Science Internships (Sponsorship)

College students receive valuable experience through on-farm food animal internships with large-scale producers, feed manufacturers and farm operations.

Penn State
$16,011

PA Marketing Report (Sponsorship)

The Marketing Report provides unbiased price and sales information to assist in the marketing and distribution of farm commodities. Market News issues reports providing the industry with key wholesale, retail and shipping data.

The reports give farmers, producers and other agricultural businesses the information they need to evaluate market conditions, identify trends, make purchasing decisions, monitor price patterns, evaluate transportation equipment needs and accurately assess movement.

Beef Council

$13,614

EXPO: Poultry, Swine, Manure (Sponsorship)

The PennAg Poultry, Swine, Manure Expo is a one-day, hands-on agriculture event where livestock farmers learn, network, and discover practical tools and ideas to help them run healthier, more efficient operations.

PennAg Industries

$5,000