Author: Rachel Wood
Novel antimicrobial agent shows potential to treat avian colibacillosis
An international team of researchers led by the University of Surrey has investigated the effectiveness of a metal-derived complex in treating avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC), the cause of avian colibacillosis. Their findings are reported in Veterinary Microbiology. Avian colibacillosis is a serious respiratory and systemic disease of poultry, resulting in animal welfare issues and […]
Gene-editing technology produces calf with reduced susceptibility to a viral pathogen
A proof-of-concept study by U.S. researchers provides the first example of gene editing in cattle to reduce the impact of a major viral disease. Researchers from USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS), the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) and the University of Kentucky, collaborated with industry partners, Acceligen and Recombinetics, Inc., to produce a calf with resistance […]
Study compares immune response of different bird species to avian influenza viruses
Researchers at the Roslin Institute have identified immune processes and key genes that may play a part in how various bird species respond to infection with avian influenza viruses. They hope the outcomes from their study, published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, may help inform development of commercial poultry that are resistant to […]
Feedlot sampling uncovers neglected gene involved in antimicrobial resistance
Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan have discovered how a previously overlooked gene is involved in antimicrobial resistance. The antimicrobial resistance gene (ARG) encodes for an α/β-hydrolase, named EstT, capable of inactivating macrolide antibiotics commonly used to treat livestock diseases. The findings are published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). The research […]
Highly pathogenic avian influenza in mammals
Avian influenza caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses, notably H5N1, has been causing global concern due to the unprecedented number of outbreaks since October 2021. As well as having a devastating impact on poultry farming, the spread of HPAI viruses to new geographical areas, wild bird die-offs, transmission to sea and land mammals, […]
Infectious bursal disease virus: new method developed to screen vaccine candidates
Researchers at The Pirbright Institute have developed new tools and techniques to determine the breadth of immune responses produced by vaccines against different variants of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV). Their study is published in the Journal of Virology. Eight IBDV genogroups have been identified and there are several variants of IBDV spreading in different […]
European project aims to develop innovative vaccines and diagnostics for livestock reproductive diseases
The goal of a 5-year project involving 16 partners representing 7 European countries (Italy, UK, Spain, France, Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland) is to develop new and improved vaccines and diagnostic tools to better control livestock reproductive diseases with worldwide impact. The REPRODIVAC project, funded through the Horizon Europe framework programme, will focus on four priority […]
Mucosal vaccination protects mice against Brucella infection
Researchers at the University of Florida have demonstrated the efficacy of a novel vaccine for the protection of mice against Brucella melitensis infection. Their findings are published in Frontiers in Immunology. David Pascual and colleagues found that a live, attenuated vaccine delivered orally followed by an intranasal boost induced robust production of T cells in […]
FAO and WOAH launch next phase of PPR eradication programme
An event was held on 4th November at the Rome headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to mark the publication of a book celebrating the eradication of rinderpest and to launch the next phase of the peste des petits ruminants (PPR) Global Eradication Programme. Co-authored by FAO and the […]
Whole genome sequencing of Moraxella bovis identifies two major genotypes
Researchers in the USA have revealed that there are two different genotypes of Moraxella bovis, a bacterium that causes infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK, also known as ‘pinkeye’), an economically significant and painful eye disease that affects cattle worldwide. The findings, published in BMC Microbiology, will help researchers understand how different types of M. bovis cause […]