Establishing the capacity for H5N1 challenge of ferrets within Australia &optimizing pandemic vaccines in this model [ 2006 - 2007 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Lorena Brown (Principal investigator) ,  Dr Deborah Middleton ,  Dr Ian Barr ,  Martin Pearse ,  Mr David Ryan
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Brief description Australia is currently in the process of manufacturing vaccines for use in people against strains of avian influenza viruses circulating in South East Asia as part of a national preparedness program for an influenza pandemic. These particular avian flu viruses are capable of causing severe disease and death in humans as well as birds, although at present they are not highly transmissible between people. Should the avian influenza viruses mutate to gain this capability, it will be necessary to institute widespread vaccination of the Australian population. It is not possible to test the vaccines in people for their effectiveness against avian influenza infection prior to a disease outbreak, so an animal model for the disease will be used to assist in optimizing the formulation of flu vaccines and in testing their efficacy in preventing infection or reducing the severity of disease. Ferrets are natural hosts for flu viruses, have similar responses to vaccination as people, and develop a similar disease to humans when infected with influenza. These animals will be used to assist vaccine manufacturers in providing the best type of vaccine for protection of Australians in the face of a global flu pandemic.

Funding Amount $AUD 405,513.20

Funding Scheme NHMRC Strategic Awards

Notes Urgent Research - Pandemic Influenza - H5N1