BC researchers funded to respond to bird flu outbreaks

5 December 2024

CIHR avian flu research grant recipients Drs. Agatha Jassem and Horacio Bach.

Michael Smith Health Research BC is partnering with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to support BC-based researchers to find ways to prevent, prepare for and respond to outbreaks of avian influenza.

Commonly known as bird flu, avian influenza is a viral disease that is typically transmitted between wild birds and poultry but can spread to other birds and mammals. It is a priority research area in BC and Canada.

Health Research BC’s partnership with CIHR’s Centre for Research on Pandemic Preparedness and Health Emergencies plays an important role in building the province’s capacity to deliver solutions for public health emergencies such as avian flu. The partnership has enabled eight grants involving BC researchers to be funded through the 2024 avian flu research grant competition. Four of those projects are led by researchers in BC, with Health Research BC co-funding two teams led by Dr. Horacio Bach from the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Dr. Agatha Jassem from UBC and the BC Centre for Disease Control.

Horacio’s team is developing a rapid test to detect avian influenza in the environment, animals and people. The project aims to enhance health and safety in high-risk populations and environments. Agatha’s team is developing a new test to help identify avian influenza infections in various species, even without symptoms. Both teams will improve surveillance and early detection of avian flu, which will help manage outbreaks and prevent potential pandemics.

Health Research BC catalyzes change for a stronger health research system and mobilizes communities for research impact. The BC teams are among 35 across Canada; their projects will enable research on the most time-sensitive evidence gaps and immediate research needs related to current outbreaks of avian flu in animals and the risk of further transmission to human populations.