Project

Dynamics of avian influenza in a changing world

Acronym
DELTA-FLU
Code
41D02317
Duration
01 June 2017 → 30 November 2022
Funding
European funding: framework programme
Research disciplines
  • Natural sciences
    • Animal immunology
Keywords
avian influenza
Other information
 
Project description

DELTA-FLU aims to determine the key viral, host-related, and environmental factors that determine the dynamics of avian influenza (AI) in poultry and other host species, with the goal of improving prevention and control strategies against this disease. As a result of rapidly changing dynamics, AI continues to cause unexpected and devastating outbreaks in poultry in the EU, as well as world-wide. Its potential to become pandemic is also of great concern to public health. The key viral, host-related, and environmental factors that drive AI dynamics are poorly understood, which currently impedes the development of effective control and prevention strategies.

 
Role of Ghent University
As a partner of DELTA-FLU, the Laboratory of Professor Kristien Van Reeth will address the possible role of pigs as a stepping stone for the spread of avian influenza from poultry to human beings and the generation of a potentially pandemic influenza virus. Our laboratory is specialized in swine influenza and in studying the viral genetic factors that allow avian influenza viruses to transmit efficiently among pigs.