Location: Exotic & Emerging Avian Viral Diseases Research
Project Number: 6040-32000-081-024-I
Project Type: Interagency Reimbursable Agreement
Start Date: Jul 1, 2022
End Date: Mar 31, 2025
Objective:
To characterize novel and relevant historical avian influenza virus (AIV) isolates antigenically in conjunction with phenotypic and genotypic characterization.
Approach:
We will build a visual representation of the relationships among selected isolates using antigenic cartography. This data will be used to build a database that will have relevance for vaccinal protection as well as biological characterization of the isolates. Serum will be developed to new isolates to maintain the timeliness of the database and will ensure relevant results. As part of the comprehensive characterization of influenza viruses, experimental inoculation of into different avian species will be conducted using a standard challenge. In addition we will sequence the entire virus genome of selected isolates. The antigenic maps and the sequence data will be made available to the Animal and Plant Health Inspections Service (APHIS) for use in controlling future avian influenza outbreaks. The techniques used to develop the antigenic maps will also be shared with APHIS personnel through working visits between the laboratories.
