Influenza roadmap:
Control Strategies
Roadmap for the development of disease control strategies for influenza
Download Influenza-control-development-roadmap13
Host genetics
Host genetics
Research Question
- Improve knowledge of host genetics in relation to susceptibility
Research Gaps and Challenges
- How to manipulate bird genetics and / or anti – viral state responses without vaccine use?
- Any new genetic improvement has a cost on the physiology (e.g. birds will grow more slowly)
- Understanding the genetic behind the host immune systems of resistant animals (e.g. ducks/ostriches)
Solution Routes
- Identify molecular markers of host range in different birds (we know a lot more about what it takes for a virus to transmit from birds to
humans than the same about different bird species) - NGS , variant analysis bioinformatics tools , combined with experimental in vivo studies in different bird species – Host / virus risk
assessment matrix - Study of host genomes for identifying factors contributing to resistance
- Improve the immune responses of hosts to vaccination (turkeys especially)
- Transgenomic studies of infected ostriches/ducks to determine the resistant genes and how they can be bred into poultry
- Evaluate the impact of developing more resistant hosts that will live among humans and wildlife that are still susceptible
- Study immunization capacities of vaccination and genetics modification combined
Dependencies
- Better understanding of avian immunology
- Acceptance of consumers in case of GM
Projects
What activities are planned or underway?
Impact of host age on viral and bacterial communities in a waterbird population.
Planned Completion date 01/11/2022
Source Countries:
Netherlands
Association of biosecurity and hygiene practices with avian influenza A/H5 and A/H9 virus infections in turkey farms.
Planned Completion date 14/03/2024
Source Countries:
Netherlands