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To develop improved methods for the control of avian coccidiosis using vaccines and anticoccidial compounds. Genomics and proteomics will be used to identify important parasite proteins which can be targeted for use in the control of coccidia. We will develop markers of bird performance to assess the efficacy of vaccines.
Avian eimeria will be analyzed using genomics and proteomics approaches to identify functional molecules that might be used for diagnostic and vaccination. Information from genomic analyses will be combined with work from other laboratories to generate linkage maps for eimeria species. Candidate antifens identifies through genomics and proteomics will be tested in birds for ability to protech against clinical disease. Efficacy will be measured in comparison with live vaccines which have already proven effective in reducing losses to the poultry industry. Markers of bird performance and, in particular, muscle accretion will be identified and used in determination of the effectiveness of control measures.