Project Number: 3635-32000-012-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Nov 17, 2001
End Date: Nov 16, 2006

Objective:
Identify and characterize function of viral genes critical to pathogenesis and protection in Marek's disease; elucidate epidemiology, immunology and pathogenesis of Marek's disease, including evolution of virulence in field strains; and develop and evaluate methods and products for improved control of Marek's disease, including reduction of viral load and shedding. The specific objective for this 2004 program increase it to establish a method to quantitate the shed of Marek's disease from feather follicles and then determine if certain vaccines and/or genetic selection can reduce the titer of virus shed thereby reducing the disease transmission.

Approach:
Molecular approaches will be used to better understand which Marek's disease (MD) viral genes are important for oncogenicity, replication and immunogenicity. The function of many viral genes will be elucidated and recombinant knockout viruses that lack oncogenicity can be evaluated as vaccine strains. Parallel studies will be conducted to monitor the virulence of MDV field strains and further characterize contemporary isolates for challenge studies. Finally, candidate recombinant and conventional vaccine strains will be carefully evaluated for protection against tumor induction and viral shedding. Additional efforts will be devoted to better understanding factors important in immunity including revaccination and synergism. BSL-2; recertified June 8, 2004.

Project Team

Silva, Robert - Bob Lee, Lucy Hunt, Henry

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003   FY 2002