Dr. Shayan Sharif

1. IntroductionMarek’s disease virus (MDV) is an oncogenic and highly contagious alpha herpesvirus in chickens [1]. This virus is considered a major global challenge in the poultry industry and is estimated to cause annual losses of approximately USD 1–2 billion [2].Protective vaccines against Marek’s disease (MD) have been widely used since 1969 [3]. Due to the evolution of vira ...

INTRODUCTIONGlobal population growth, along with rising affluence in Asia, are driving up not only our total demand for food, but also the amount of protein required to feed all of humanity (1, 2). More specifically, the world’s population is expected to grow to over 9 billion people by 2050, and demand for poultry, which represents a relatively healthy and efficient source of protein, is li ...

1 IntroductionCharacterized after its human orthologue (Herpes Simplex Virus; HSV a DNA containing virus), Marek’s disease virus (MDV), or Gallid herpesvirus 2 (GaHV-2), the etiologic agent for Marek’s disease (MD) is an alpha-herpes virus that targets avian species (Gallus gallus domesticus) where it establishes chronic infection. Notably recognized as a multifaceted disease, MD is ch ...

IntroductionVitamin D is a naturally synthesized lipid soluble vitamin and has a broad range of physiological properties, including profound effects upon immune system [1–3]. Ultraviolet B (UV-B) irradiation of epidermal cells constitutes the primary step for photolytic conversion of 7-dehydrocholesterol to Vitamin D. Modern poultry farming practices have led to an increase in density housin ...

IntroductionInfectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) is an enveloped virus with a double stranded DNA genome and belongs to the family Herpesviridae and subfamily alphaherpersvirinae [1,2]. The ILTV causes infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) in chickens, pheasants and peafowls worldwide [3,4], transmitted through nasal and ocular routes and results in mild to severe respiratory manifestations. The ...