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Marek’s disease and avian influenza vaccine developed
Scientists inserted avian influenza into the turkey herpesvirus that is used in Marek's disease vaccines.

Gene-editing technique faster than previous methods

A vaccine that offers birds protection against Marek’s disease and avian influenza has been developed by scientists at The Pirbright Institute.


Writing in the journal Vaccines, scientists describe how they used a gene-editing technique (CRISPR/Cas9 ) to insert avian influenza into the turkey herpesvirus (HVT) that is used in Marek’s disease vaccines.


The gene codes for haemagglutinin (HA) - an influenza protein that plays a vital role in the virus’ ability to infect host cells and a key target of the host immune response to block infection.


Professor Munir Iqbal, head of the Avian Influenza group at Pirbright, explains: “HVT is already widely used in vaccines against Marek’s disease and can be administered to eggs, enabling automated delivery and providing birds with protection from the day they hatch.

“The additional HA gene we have incorporated will be expressed by HVT when it replicates in host cells, meaning that a single dose of vaccine induces immunity against both viruses."


Compared to previous methods, the new technique is faster, more efficient, and will reduce the time it takes for poultry producers to update vaccine strains. This will enable a quicker response to disease outbreaks and provide better protection.


Prof Iqbal continued: “The genetic engineering process we have developed using CRISPR/Cas9 is far quicker and more efficient than previous technologies, as well as being very consistent and accurate. These attributes are essential for providing fast and reliable vaccine production to protect poultry.


“Improving how we make vaccines is critical for preventing avian influenza outbreaks. Our work could help reduce the spread of disease between birds and reduce the risk of infection for people who work closely with poultry."

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.