Chickens Found with Genetic Resistance to Bird Flu

[John W Blehm]

Chickens Found with Genetic Resistance to Bird Flu

UK - New research carried out at The Pirbright Institute indicates that the genes of some chickens makes them almost resistant to bird flu...

They found that birds that carried the virus but were genetically resistant to the disease only shed the virus through their respiratory tract and for a limited period of time, whereas birds which were susceptible to the disease, also shed virus in faeces and over a longer time. The researchers discovered that this was the only relevant means of spreading the virus and that resistant birds were therefore unable to initiate or sustain the chain of transmission.

Further results in the study suggest that this could be due to a genetic restriction within the animal which stops the virus spreading when inside the body...

For several years they have been working on flu-resistant GM chickens, but maybe they won't be needed if we stick with the basics of selective breeding for resistance. 
Over a year ago when many poultry shows were cancelled, quarantines were in place and millions of birds depopulated I questioned why they killed all the birds in facilities with outbreaks instead of breeding the survivors for resistant strains.  Hopefully Big Brother can get past the kill 'em all theory. 

[Mike Gilbert]

This makes a lot of sense when you consider that bird flu is carried in the wild bird populations.   Then the birds congregate for migration, providing a perfect opportunity for the spread of disease.   And yet they don't disappear from the landscape, so obviously some are more resistant than others, not only to Bird Flu, but a variety of avian diseases. 

[Beth Curran]

Not to mention the "kill 'em all" approach creates a climate of fear and distrust that discourages the cooperation and open dialogue necessary to solve problems.

[Suki]

Not to mention the "kill 'em all" approach creates a climate of fear and distrust

Among who?  The birds?  They say birds should never see you kill one of them...they'll never trust you again.