Ohio State tackles H5N1 in upcoming webinar
Article by: Gabe Preston
Originally Published
Bird flu is nothing new. In fact, strains of this contagious disease have been around for centuries. But the highly pathogenic avian influenza A
(H5N1) virus has spilled into U.S. cattle systems, including one in Ohio, putting experts on alert for the potential economic impact.
At The Ohio State University, a dedicated team of faculty experts is leading critical research that spans the molecular level to on-farm solutions, keeping the focus of their research on real-world solutions for farmers and growers affected by the virus.
Dr. Andy Bowman, professor of veterinary medicine at Ohio State, Cody Warren, assistant professor at Ohio State’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Scott Kenney, associate professor with the Center for Food Animal Health at Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), have been on the front lines in what has been a collaborative, timely response to the H5N1 challenge. In an upcoming, free webinar on Monday, July 28, from 2-3:15 p.m. they hope to go beyond theoretical understanding, providing strategies and recommendations to protect Ohio’s vital agricultural sector and its communities.
Kenney, specializing in molecular virology, hopes that contributions from CFAES researchers and veterinary medical practitioners will help combat and mitigate infectious diseases like H5N1.
“Understanding how influenza outbreaks begin and spread is critical for our stakeholders to protect themselves from future outbreaks,” said Kenney.
Collaborating with him, Dr. Bowman, an expert in veterinary preventive medicine and epidemiology, focuses on tracking the virus’ spread and understanding its behavior in animal populations. Adding another crucial layer, Warren, an expert in viral pathogenesis and host-pathogen interactions, investigates how the virus infects new species and the immune responses it triggers.
Join the conversation: A special update on bird flu in dairy cows
The public is invited to this engaging webinar, which will feature the latest H5N1 research, including pathogenesis, transmission, molecular epidemiology, and the pandemic risk stemming from the ongoing outbreak in U.S. dairy cattle. The one-hour presentation will also include a 15-minute Q&A, providing a unique opportunity to gain insight into the complex world of viral threats and Ohio State’s proactive stance.
Register here for the event, which will also highlight the work being done at the Plant and Animal Agrosecurity Research (PAAR) Facility on the CFAES Wooster campus. The PAAR Facility is one of the nation’s few facilities equipped for both plant and animal research at BSL-3 agricultural safety levels.
CFAES continues to stand at the forefront of agricultural science, public health, and environmental stewardship, delivering cutting-edge research and solutions that ensure the safety and resilience of communities from farms to households throughout Ohio.
Kenney added, “Any new information gained on how this virus transmits and causes disease is an important piece of the puzzle to containing the infections and limiting its effects on production animal industries.”
Webinar Details:
Date: Monday, July 28, 2025
Time: 2:00PM – 3:15PM
Registration: Register Here
Cost: Free