Avian Viral Infections

Understanding the host response to Avian Viral Infections

We use genomic approaches (whole genome sequencing, transcriptomics, variant analysis, GWAS) to understand the host responses to various viral infections – primarily Marek’s Disease and Avian Influenza.

This is with the ultimate aim of identifying genes/mutations involved in disease resistance.

Current flu projects include investigating host responses to infection in different birds, including susceptible species like chicken and turkey and resistant species like geese and pigeon.

We are also investigating resistance within chickens by examining survivors from natural outbreaks of highly pathogenic Avian Influenza.