Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Avian coronavirus vaccination strategy shows promise
The new vaccination strategy could improve chicken welfare and has broader benefits for vaccine development.

The method could reduce the burden of IBV on the poultry industry.

Researchers at the Pirbright Institute are exploring new strategies for the development of an infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) vaccine.

In the journal Virology, scientists explain how they used ‘targeted attenuation’ to make specific modifications to weaken the virus, without compromising its ability to stimulate immunity.

It is hoped the method could reduce the burden of IBV on the poultry industry, improve welfare and protect food security. It may also have broader benefits for vaccine development.

Dr Erica Bickerton explains: “By using targeted attenuation we can develop vaccines that are more effective and adaptable to new strains. It also opens up the possibility of developing vaccines against other coronaviruses.”

IBV, also known as avian coronavirus, is a respiratory condition that leads to a loss of weight and drop in egg production. It has also raised a number of welfare concerns. 

One of the biggest challenges facing the poultry industry, the disease is currently managed via a combination of live attenuated vaccines and inactivated vaccines.

The live vaccines use a weakened form of the virus, created by repeatedly ‘growing’ the virus in eggs until it loses virulence. However, because this relies on random genetic mutations that occasionally compromise efficacy of the vaccine, it can be unreliable.

The method is also time-consuming, meaning that it’s unsuitable for responding to new or emerging strains of the virus.

Vaccines against other coronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, primarily target the Spike (S) protein. However, the proven ineffectiveness of this approach has underscored the need for alternative strategies. 

In the study, the team examined a different target — the non-structural protein (nsp3), specifically a region called the macrodomain. By introducing targeted mutations within this protein, they identified genetic changes that could weaken the virus while maintaining its capacity to induce immunity. 

The study identifies targets conserved across IBV strains and the coronovirus family, suggesting a universal approach to vaccine development through rational attenuation.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Free CPD announced for BVNA members

News Story 1
 Zoetis is to present a CPD event for free to members of the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA).

Led by veterinary consultant Ruth Moxon, the one-hour online session is designed to help veterinary nurses discuss parasiticide options with clients. It will advise on structuring recommendations, factors for product choice and moving away from 'selling'.

'How do you recommend parasite treatments to your clients?' will be presented on Tuesday, 20 May at 7.30pm. It is free for BVNA members, with £15.00 tickets for non-members.

Veterinary nurses can email cpd@bvna.co.uk to book their place. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
DAERA to reduce BVD 'grace period'

DAERA has reminded herd keepers of an upcoming reduction to the 'grace period' to avoid BVD herd restrictions.

From 1 May 2025, herd keepers will have seven days to cull any BVD positive or inconclusive animals to avoid restrictions being applied to their herd.

It follows legislation introduced on 1 February, as DAERA introduces herd movement restrictions through a phased approach. Herd keepers originally had 28 days to cull BVD positive or inconclusive animals.

DAERA says that, providing herd keepers use the seven-day grace period, no herds should be restricted within the first year of these measures.

Additional measures, which will target herds with animals over 30 days old that haven't been tested for BVD, will be introduced from 1 June 2025.

More information is available on the DAERA website.