Project

Dynamics of avian influenza in a changing world

Acroniem
DELTA-FLU
Code
41D02317
Looptijd
01-06-2017 → 30-11-2022
Financiering
European funding: framework programme
Onderzoeksdisciplines
  • Natural sciences
    • Animal immunology
Trefwoorden
vogelgriep
Overige informatie
 
Projectomschrijving
 

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.

 
Rol van UGent
 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.