Summary

Over the last 21 years we have been monitoring Australian IBDV strains confirming that endemic strains remain genetically distinct from overseas strains and do not cause mortality. More importantly, we have been able to provide evidence that Australia remains free of exotic strains like very virulent IBDV (vvIBDV). It is therefore vital that we continue surveillance to enable early detection/eradication of exotic IBDV strains and to ensure that endemic strains do not increase in virulence. Hence In this proposal we hope to continue monitoring genetic changes and assessing the pathotype of circulating strains. In addition, a feasibility study will be undertaken to determine whether Luminex technology can be utilized to detect and differentiate IBDV strains.

Program

Chicken Meat

Research Organisation

CSIRO

Objective Summary

a) To continue monitoring genetic changes occurring in circulating IBDV field strains (both broiler and layer).
(b) To examine the pathogenicity of selected field isolates displaying unusual amino acids changes in SPF flocks.
(c) To complete a feasibility study to determine if Luminex technology can be used to detect and differentiate IBDV strains