Experimental Validation and Modeling of Avian Flu Thermal Inactivation Systems
Problem statement
Imagine having to dispose of eggs contaminated with the avian flu virus because they are deemed too dangerous to transport for destruction. Now, consider the potential waste, as these eggs could be safely repurposed as fertilizer if the virus could be neutralized. During a 2022 outbreak in Palmyra, Wisconsin, for example, USDA veterinarian Doris Olander reported that because the eggs still contained active virus material, they had to be shipped 100 miles in multiple semi-trucks full of eggs [1]. This not only cost $100,000 in trucking fees but was unreasonable considering the closest landfill was 5 miles away. Transporting contaminated eggs presents significant logistical and financial burdens while also increasing the risk of spreading the virus during transit. For Professor Cheadle, the frustration of relying on costly, hazardous transport while viable eggs go to waste drives the urgent need for a better solution. While incineration and transport are effective in eliminating the virus, these methods are costly, impractical, and unsustainable in the long term, contributing to unnecessary waste. Therefore, a solution that can thermally inactivate the avian flu virus in contaminated eggs is urgently needed. This approach would not only mitigate health risks but also provide a sustainable resource for fertilization, reducing waste and safeguarding public health.
Team members 
Will Garry – facilitator
Jason Swarens – communicator
Tyler Kingsbury – accountant
Ibuki Stone – admin
Client
Michael Cheadle