MDV vaccines

Tuesday, 10th August 2010
Leg paresis (partial paralysis) from Marek's disease Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual

Leg paresis (partial paralysis) from Marek’s disease Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual

Title: Marek’s disease virus (MDV) vaccines

Project Leader: Tim Mahony at DEEDI funded by Poultry CRC (Project 04-14)

Duration of Project:
Now completed (1 December 2005 to 31 December 2009)


Project overview

Marek’s disease (MD) is caused by Marek’s disease virus 1 (MDV1) and is currently well controlled by vaccination. However, these vaccines do not prevent infection replication or shedding of wild-type MDV1. As a result, persistence of MDV1 in the production environment leads to a continuous cycle of challenge in vaccinated birds that has facilitated the emergence of wild-type MDV1 with increased virulence. At this stage, there are no alternatives to current vaccines if wild-type strains of MDV1 emerge that overcome the currently provided protection.


Project objectives

  • Improve control of MD by understanding disease pathogenesis;
  • Improve control of MD through novel genomic-based vaccination strategies; and
  • Develop novel MD vaccines that prevent virus shedding and subsequent environmental persistence.


Project progress

This project has been completed and the Final Report is available from the Poultry CRC.


See also