Researchers from Texas A&M University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences are set to test far-ultraviolet (far-UVC) light as a potential tool to combat highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in poultry. The study, launching in February, is the final phase of a multiyear research effort aimed at determining whether far-UVC light can reduce airborne pathogens in commercial poultry houses without harming the birds. This research comes amid an ongoing HPAI outbreak, which began around 2022 and has not yet subsided, with the virus still being detected in Texas wildlife. HPAI is not considered endemic in the United States and is classified as a reportable poultry disease. The study will be conducted at the Huffman Poultry Science Farm Complex by a team led by Professor Morgan Farnell, an expert in avian microbiology and immunology, and Ziteng "Tim" Xu, a scientist specializing in smart technologies in poultry production. Far-UVC light differs from traditional germicidal UV light in that it can kill viruses and bacteria without penetrating deeply enough to harm human or animal skin and eyes. Previous research at institutions like Columbia University and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital laid the foundation for this work, but those studies used small-scale isolators that do not accurately represent real-world farm conditions. Texas A&M’s trials will use commercial bird densities to better simulate actual poultry environments. Researchers will use air-sampling equipment to measure bacteria levels before and after far-UVC exposure, helping assess its effectiveness against pathogens like HPAI. In addition to evaluating pathogen reduction, the team will use AI-assisted camera tracking to monitor how the light affects chickens’ behavior, sleep patterns, and growth. Xu is designing an integrated system that combines far-UVC air treatment with advanced ventilation and robotic disinfection. The two-year study will involve four flocks, raised under both summer and winter conditions, to test the technology across different environments. If successful, the technology could be expanded to other agricultural sectors like swine and dairy farming. Researchers stress the need for new tools to protect poultry health, especially as the industry has moved away from antibiotics and vaccination remains challenging. Reducing infections could help lower mortality and economic losses in the poultry supply chain.