Veterinary varsity, U.S. institute join hands to study avian viral diseases

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Veterinary varsity, U.S. institute join hands to study avian viral diseases
http://www.hindu.com/2007/08/22/stories/2007082261091200.htm

They will also promote animal biotechnological applications​

CHENNAI:

The Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University and the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine will join hands to build capacity to understand avian viral diseases and promote animal biotechnological applications as part of the Indo-U.S. Agricultural Knowledge Initiative, delegations of the universities announced here on Tuesday.

A.L. Chowdhary, president of the Veterinary Council of India, and 250 delegates from across India attended the inaugural session of a five-day workshop to identify areas for research and development and faculty improvement, build capacity in veterinary training, and promote animal biotechnological applications.

Technical sessions will be conducted on emerging and trans-boundary viral diseases, viral genome studies, molecular epidemiology, poultry health and production, the development of diagnostics and vaccines and embryo biotechnology such as in-vitro fertilisation and stem cell research.

U.S. scientists hope this will bring about a better understanding of the epidemiology of emerging infectious diseases, 80 per cent of which have come in the past 10 years from animals.

Richard Avery, Associate Dean, Research and Graduate studies, Virginia Tech, and Siba K. Samal, Associate Dean, Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, expressed their support for this new undertaking. ?We will collaborate in any way possible to further research,? Dr. Samal said.

Minister for Animal Husbandry P. Geetha Jeevan presided over the function, which was sanctioned by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.