GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — A University of North Dakota immunologist has been awarded a $700,000 state grant for avian flu research.

UND says David Bradley's research on avian flu antibodies could help poultry farmers effectively combat outbreaks of the disease.

Bradley is working collaboratively on the project with a company called Avianax.

Researchers say they hope to develop commercially viable therapeutic treatments within 12 to 18 months.