Specific Targeted Research
Title: Generation of information and tools to support the management of the avian influenza crisis in poultry
Contract Number: SSPE-CT-2005-022417
Duration: 46 months (extended until October 2009)
Start Date: 01-01-06
Number of Partners: 13
EU Contribution: €1.2 million
Abstract:
Avian influenza (AI) outbreaks have recently caused severe losses to the poultry industry, its stakeholders and, ultimately, to the EU taxpayer. In addition, the ongoing Asian H5N1 outbreak is a serious concern for food security and human health. It is estimated that since 2000, 200 million birds have died or have been culled following infection with influenza viruses subtypes H5 or H7. Approximately 50 million of these birds were from Europe. Importantly, human infections have also been reported in several of these outbreaks. In Asia, due to both social conditions and the particular characteristics of the H5N1 virus, the crossing of the species barrier represents a serious potential risk of a new human pandemic virus emerging.
The primary goal of this proposal will be the joint development and application of novel technologies to combat AI infections. This goal will be achieved through the interaction of leading European institutes along with the active collaboration of Asian laboratories. The first deliverables of the project will be diagnostic tools and vaccines to be used in outbreak management and in the application of control measures based on vaccination. A pilot study will also be conducted with the aim of developing a future EU vaccine bank. This study will allow the identification of prototype strains for vaccine production and the development and validation of companion diagnostic tests which can be used in combination with the DIVA (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals) strategy. In addition it will generate data on the presence of virus in the meat of vaccinated versus unvaccinated birds. To complement this work, studies on pathogenesis in reservoir species and on the genetic and antigenic variability of endemic strains will also be performed. These studies will shed light on areas such as the emergence of antigenic drift in avian viruses and on the most beneficial gene constellation that supports viral replication and transmissibility.