The NEIDL Aerobiology Core will focus on the delivery of pathogens, biologically active substances, and vaccines to the respiratory tracts of animals.

A fully functional Aerobiology Core is a critical lynchpin for emerging infectious diseases and biodefense-focused research. Aerosol exposure is the route of infection for many of the most important naturally occurring category A-C pathogens and is the most likely route of exposure in an intentional release. In addition to allowing research on the pathogenesis of these infectious agents there is considerable interest in developing vaccines, biologicals and therapeutics delivered by the aerosol route. In order to meet the missions of the NEIDL and the NIAID emerging infectious diseases/biodefense programs, it will be essential to have aerobiology capabilities at BSL3 and BSL4.