New research aims to improve protection against a rapidly spreading respiratory disease affecting U.S. poultry producers.
The Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research, South Dakota State University, and USPOULTRY are investing $250,000 to evaluate existing vaccines and advance development of a vaccine targeting U.S. strains of avian Metapneumovirus, or aMPV.
The highly contagious virus causes respiratory disease in chickens and turkeys.
Subtypes A and B emerged in the United States in late 2023 and early 2024, spreading across poultry-producing states and causing significant economic losses.
Researchers will test imported vaccines against U.S. virus strains and compare administration methods, including sprays, oral delivery, and eye drops.
The team has also developed a vaccine candidate using a subtype B strain isolated from a U.S. poultry farm.
Additional studies will assess dosage, safety, effectiveness, and how long protection lasts before potential field use.
