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Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 8/30/2004 Publication Date: 10/6/2004 Citation: Lunney, J.K. 2004. Animal disease genomics: advances and issues in a view of international cooperation [abstract]. http://www.eadgene.org/ Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Despite increased biosecurity and improved genetic resources infectious diseases and metabolic disorders continue to cause major losses in our food production animals. The availability of the full genome sequence in chickens and rapid advances in cattle and swine genomics have opened up major opportunities. With new molecular tools developed through this new European Network of Excellence and other international efforts breeders will be able to offer numerous options for their producers. Research should be able to help identify genetically defined breeding stock that is selected for optimal growth and health for numerous different production systems and regional and environmental conditions. Based on research developed through this major consortium animals with enhanced natural disease resistance will be identified as well as individuals that are specifically resistant to the most important infectious diseases, e.g. foot and mouth disease, avian influenza. New information gleaned from genomics will help identify new biotherapeutic targets for improved disease prevention and treatments as well as for advances in vaccine technologies. The international sharing of genomic sequences and databases is the first step toward truly integrating research on these important issues. As we explore functional genomics and proteomics for important clues for disease resistance phenotypes and genotypes further collaborations should be encouraged. Sharing of samples from critical resource populations, broad availability of microarrays, SNP databases, and proteomic tools will be important building blocks for animal disease genomics activities. Such international collaborations will result in food animals with improved health and decreased need for antibiotic usage, thus benefiting consumers worldwide. |
