Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) is a highly contagious virus causing respiratory and reproductive disorders in poultry, leading to significant animal welfare concerns and economic losses. The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research is providing South Dakota State University (SDSU) a $150,000 Rapid Outcomes from Agricultural Research (ROAR) grant to develop a diagnostic tool and vaccine for the virus. SDSU is providing matching funds for a total investment of $300,000.
Subgroups A and B of the virus were recently identified for the first time in the U.S., causing outbreaks of severe respiratory symptoms and declining egg production on both turkey and chicken farms. The deadly virus is also spreading quickly, with flocks suffering mortalities of 30% to 50%. A farm in North Carolina reported losing 80% percent of one barn’s birds. Better detection methods and flock surveillance are needed to limit the spread of the virus and its economic impact.
Dr. Sunil Mor and a research assistant in the lab.
Researchers led by Dr. Sunil Mor, assistant professor at SDSU, are developing a diagnostic test for aMPV types A and B, as well as a vaccine. The researchers will also develop a challenge model which will be helpful in evaluation of the safety and efficacy of commercially available imported vaccines and new vaccines being developed in the U.S., including their own.
FFAR’s ROAR program rapidly funds research and outreach in response to emerging or unanticipated threats to the U.S. food supply or agricultural systems.