New strategies needed to fight immune system-damaging poultry virus detected on UK farms

HVR-based phylogenetic tree of the VP2 gene encoded by segment A. Credit: Virology (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2024.110269
Researchers working to understand the spread of the virus, which can severely damage chickens’ immune systems, say new strategies are needed to improve control of the disease in the UK. .
Dr Vishi Reddy from Keele University was one of the researchers on a new paper published in the journal Virology that investigated how infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) circulates in UK poultry farms. .
IBDV is a virus that damages chickens’ immune systems by weakening their ability to resist infection and respond to vaccines, so controlling IBDV is critical for both animal welfare and food security reasons.
Researchers took samples from 16 farms in the UK between 2020 and 2021 and found that the strain of IBDV known as A3B1 was the main type prevalent in the majority (81%) of farms sampled. I identified something.
A3B1 has emerged around the world in recent years, adapted through unique genetic variation, and spread to Europe, Asia, and Africa. The study also showed that the majority of farms sampled showed co-infection with the vaccine strain, highlighting the potential for the virus to adapt and transform into new forms in the field.
Poultry is a major source of protein for people around the world, with 133 million tons produced in 2021, accounting for 40% of total meat production, and will continue to be the most consumed meat in 2023. is maintained. The Food and Agriculture Organization predicts a 50-fold increase in meat production. % to 180 million tons by 2050.
Poultry egg production reached 93 million tons in 2021 and continues to increase. In the UK alone, the poultry industry produces nearly 2 million tonnes of meat each year, contributing £3.6 billion to the economy.
Given the impact of IBDV on both the meat and egg industries, controlling IBDV is key to the future stability of the poultry industry worldwide, including sustainable production.
Dr Reddy, from Keele University’s School of Life Sciences, said: “This study will be a combination of genomic surveillance, vaccine efficacy studies and immunological assessments to understand the impact of viral reassortment and antigenic drift on disease symptoms and symptoms. “This highlights the need for a multifaceted approach to combating IBDV,” he said. Immune escape.
“Furthermore, this study paves the way for broader analyzes using whole-genome sequencing to deepen our understanding of the evolving landscape of IBDV and improve disease management strategies in poultry.”
Further information: Viswanatha RAP Reddy et al, Molecular characterization of reassortant infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) strains of genogroup A3B1 detected in some areas of the UK between 2020 and 2021, Virology (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2024.110269
Provided by Kiel University
Citation: New strategies needed to fight immune system-damaging poultry virus detected on UK farms (11 November 2024) https://phys.org/news/2024-11-strategies-combat Retrieved from -immune-poultry- on November 11, 2024 virus.html
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