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Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/...ow/3843563.cms
Now, the AP grey fowl can resist bird flu outbreak
16 Dec 2008, 0411 hrs IST, Sai Deepika Amirapu, ET Bureau
HYDERABAD: It is a wish come true for scores of poultry owners who are grappling with their business due to the frequent outbreak of bird flu.
The Andhra Pradesh Bio-Diversity board has identified a grey jungle fowl in Chittoor district that is resistant to bird flu.
The vector from this bird found in Seshachalam hills (in Chittoor district) will be genetically transmitted to other birds to contain the spread of this fatal disease. A vector is a DNA
molecule used as a vehicle to transfer foreign genetic material into another cell body.
This breakthrough comes as a big relief to poultry owners and traders whose businesses have been hit due to bird flu. Caused by H5N1, a highly fatal virus endemic to birds, this disease has been a potential threat the world over.
?The gene from the grey jungle fowl can be localised to other livestock through processes like gene transfer, genetic mutation and by using gene guns,? said VB Ramana Murthy, member secretary, AP bio-diversity board.
About 300,000 chickens and ducks were culled in Assam and West Bengal since late last month after the virus was detected. In terms of damage to business of livestock, however, poultry owners will not be able to trade effectively for at least three months now.
There are also reports that sales of chicken are down to half the normal trading level in the regions affected by bird flu. The AP bio-diversity, in collaboration with the forest department of Haryana and the centre for DNA finger printing in Hyderabad is conducting germ plasma studies. The organisations are on course to localise the gene in two years time.
?We are presently conducting DNA finger printing for all other common fowls to identify their gene character. Though the process is time taking, it will be a permanent relief to all poultry owners,? said Mr Murthy. Ever since the virus resurfaced in Asia in 2003, bird flu has reportedly killed over 200 people in a dozen countries but there has not been a confirmed case in India, according to a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Now, the AP grey fowl can resist bird flu outbreak
16 Dec 2008, 0411 hrs IST, Sai Deepika Amirapu, ET Bureau
HYDERABAD: It is a wish come true for scores of poultry owners who are grappling with their business due to the frequent outbreak of bird flu.
The Andhra Pradesh Bio-Diversity board has identified a grey jungle fowl in Chittoor district that is resistant to bird flu.
The vector from this bird found in Seshachalam hills (in Chittoor district) will be genetically transmitted to other birds to contain the spread of this fatal disease. A vector is a DNA
molecule used as a vehicle to transfer foreign genetic material into another cell body.
This breakthrough comes as a big relief to poultry owners and traders whose businesses have been hit due to bird flu. Caused by H5N1, a highly fatal virus endemic to birds, this disease has been a potential threat the world over.
?The gene from the grey jungle fowl can be localised to other livestock through processes like gene transfer, genetic mutation and by using gene guns,? said VB Ramana Murthy, member secretary, AP bio-diversity board.
About 300,000 chickens and ducks were culled in Assam and West Bengal since late last month after the virus was detected. In terms of damage to business of livestock, however, poultry owners will not be able to trade effectively for at least three months now.
There are also reports that sales of chicken are down to half the normal trading level in the regions affected by bird flu. The AP bio-diversity, in collaboration with the forest department of Haryana and the centre for DNA finger printing in Hyderabad is conducting germ plasma studies. The organisations are on course to localise the gene in two years time.
?We are presently conducting DNA finger printing for all other common fowls to identify their gene character. Though the process is time taking, it will be a permanent relief to all poultry owners,? said Mr Murthy. Ever since the virus resurfaced in Asia in 2003, bird flu has reportedly killed over 200 people in a dozen countries but there has not been a confirmed case in India, according to a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO).