Safeguarding Migratory Birds for Stronger Food Security
PlantPharm BioMed, aligned with the International Crane Foundation and supported by the University of Wisconsin–Madison, is advancing a plant-based edible vaccine platform designed to help protect migratory birds and vulnerable wildlife populations from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).
As HPAI spreads across global migratory flyways, cranes, waterfowl, and other migratory bird species face increasing risk of infection and population decline. Once infected, migratory birds can contribute to the spread of the virus to farmed bird populations, threatening agricultural stability and the safety of our food supply.
PlantPharm BioMed’s research is focused on a scalable, wildlife-friendly approach designed to help reduce HPAI transmission among migratory birds and limit the risk of spread to commercial poultry populations. By advancing innovative conservation science, this initiative aims to support long-term ecosystem health, strengthen agricultural biosecurity, and help protect global food security.
Supported by Conservation Leadership
The International Crane Foundation has expressed strong support for advancing this vaccine research initiative, citing the urgent need to address the growing threat of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) across global migratory flyways. The Foundation highlights the severe impact on cranes and other migratory species and underscores the importance of scalable oral vaccine delivery systems, including emerging edible vaccine platforms such as that developed by PlantPharm Biomed.
PlantPharm Biomed is uniquely positioned to advance these priorities through its oral solid-dose vaccine production platform, enabling the development of scalable solutions aimed at protecting migratory birds and reducing transmission risks to farmed bird populations affected by HPAI.
WHY THIS RESEARCH MATTERS
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is increasingly impacting wild bird populations worldwide, threatening species already under conservation pressure. As migratory birds travel across global flyways, the disease can also spread to farmed bird populations, creating significant risks for agriculture and food security.
Our research is designed to:
- Deliver protection through edible, plant-based vaccine technology for wildlife
- Enable hands-free delivery that reduces the need for capturing or handling wild birds
- Support scalable conservation strategies that protect migratory bird populations and biodiversity
- Strengthen agricultural biosecurity and global food supply resilience
Accelerating Research Into Real-World Impact
Join the movement to protect the health of migratory birds.
We are seeking support from conservation organizations, foundations, research partners, and donors committed to protecting wildlife and migratory ecosystems.
At this critical stage, funding support is essential to:
- Advance laboratory validation and prepare for field readiness
- Strengthen collaborative conservation partnerships across regions and disciplines
- Expand wildlife health monitoring and early detection efforts
- Enable preparation for real-world pilot deployment
- Accelerate scalable solutions for global migratory populations
Every contribution helps turn promising science into practical protection—supporting the survival of migratory species and the ecosystems that depend on them.
