Herpesviruses can lead to malignant catarrhal fever, a condition that causes severe fatal disease in cattle, deer, bison or pigs – but leaves African wildebeest and domestic sheep disease free.
The pathogenesis is unique and within the One Virology group we’re studying it using gene knockout viruses and next-generation sequencing technologies. Working collaboratively with colleagues from Edinburgh (MRI), Liege, Glasgow, Liverpool and Tanzania, we’re investigating why the virus has such different effects in different species and using this knowledge to combat it.
We’ve already developed a potential vaccine for AIHV-1 MCF, which is currently undergoing trials in Tanzania. The results will enable us to drive development of further vaccines and treatments.