December 21, 2009

Irish scientists identify chicken's campylobacter immunity genes

The identification of genes that boost chicken immunity to campylobacter could lead to the development of broiler birds resistant to the bacteria.

Infection by bacterium causes minimal problems for the birds but is one of the most common causes of food poisoning in the EU. It has been suggested that up to 85% of human infections are caused by campylobacter from poultry.

Cliona O'Farrelly, who leads the research team at University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin, said chickens have a high degree of genetic diversity to help them fight a variety of infections.

Irish chickens have a notably strong and diverse genetic heritage, thanks largely to extensive migration and repeated interbreeding with jungle fowl, according to O'Farrelly.

A number of other approaches at tackling campylobacter are being investigated in the EU, including the development of a vaccine against campylobacter.