Development of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines and Idenification of Molecular Mechanisms of Pathogenesis of Avian Viruses

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: <p>The combined value of production of the US poultry industry in 2003 was $23.3 billion (NASS, USDA April 2004). Poultry meat production is constantly increasing and its consumption has surpassed all other meats. Viral diseases are among the most important diseases affecting the poultry industry and losses associated with them have a major impact not only in the US but also the Texas economy. Although biosecurity is the primary way of controlling any infectious disease in the commercial poultry industry, some viral diseases are endemic in many areas and vaccination of commercial poultry flocks remains the single most valuable tool utilized in the prevention of disease. However, there is a great need for understanding how viruses produce disease in chickens. <p>This understanding will aid in the development of better vaccines to control these diseases. In addition, more sensitive diagnostics test are needed to control poultry diseases. The main objectives of the present proposal are:<br> 1. To investigate how chicken viruses produce disease. <br>2. To develop diagnostic tests for rapid, detection of avian viruses. <br>3. To develop vaccines for the control of poultry viral diseases. These three objectives are interrelated and information obtained in each of them will aid in further development of the others.