SDSU Works to Control Poultry Virus

By Scout Nelson

South Dakota State University (SDSU) has been awarded a $150,000 Rapid Outcomes from Agricultural Research (ROAR) grant from the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research to develop a diagnostic tool and vaccine for avian metapneumovirus. SDSU is also providing matching funds, bringing the total investment to $300,000.

Avian metapneumovirus is a highly contagious virus that affects poultry, leading to severe respiratory symptoms and reduced egg production. The virus has two subgroups, A and B, which were recently detected in the U.S. for the first time.

These subgroups have already caused major outbreaks, resulting in poultry mortalities ranging from 30% to 50%, with some cases reaching up to 80% losses in affected barns. The rapid spread of the virus highlights the need for improved detection methods and prevention strategies.

A research team led by Sunil Mor, assistant professor at SDSU, is working on developing a diagnostic test for both A and B subgroups. In addition, they are creating a challenge model to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of both imported and newly developed vaccines in the U.S.

“The new introduction of subgroups A and B has huge economic impact on U.S. poultry. The rapid spread of these viruses highlights the urgent need for developing specific diagnostic tests as well as effective vaccines. The ROAR program is uniquely positioned to rapidly fund projects that are related to emerging diseases,” Mor said.

Angela Records, chief scientific officer at the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research, emphasized the importance of rapid response efforts. “The poultry industry is facing several potentially devastating threats to production right now, including avian metapneumovirus and avian influenza. With ROAR’s unique ability to quickly mobilize funding, this research will create the diagnostic tools and prevention strategies farmers need to protect their flocks and their bottom lines.”

The ROAR program provides funding for agricultural research to address unexpected threats to the U.S. food supply and agricultural systems.

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