Researchers characterize new pathogenic Gumboro viruses

The USPOULTRY Foundation announced the completion of a funded research project at Ohio State University, Wooster, Ohio, that characterizes new pathogenic Gumboro viruses. The project is part of the USPOULTRY's comprehensive research program encompassing all phases of poultry and egg production and processing. A brief summary of the completed project is shown below. A complete report, along with information on other research, may be obtained by going to USPOULTRY's website. The project summary is as follows: 

Project #F038: Studies on Newly Emerging Reassortant Very Virulent Infectious Bursal Disease Viruses
(Dr. Daral Jackwood, Ohio State University, Wooster, Ohio)
In recent years the very virulent infectious bursal disease virus (Gumboro virus) has appeared in the U.S. poultry industry for the first time. The virus has since recombined with infectious bursal disease viruses that have been common in the U.S. for years. Researchers at the Ohio State University, led by Dr. Daral Jackwood, have isolated and characterized these new recombined viruses and found that they are less virulent than the parent very virulent viruses but break through maternal antibodies earlier than our native viruses. This may require adjustments in breeder vaccination programs in areas of the country where these viruses have been found.