Ancient DNA is helping researchers unravel why and how Marek’s disease has evolved to become more deadly in poultry.
“Ancient DNA has provided us with a unique perspective on the emergence of MDV as a deadly chicken virus and may teach us lessons that are applicable to the control of other viral infections of medical and veterinary importance," stated co-senior author of the study, Adrian Smith, Department of Biology, University of Oxford.
The findings, published in Science, could lead to the development of better treatments for viral diseases in poultry.
Looking back to move forward
The international team of researchers – made up of geneticists, disease biologists and archaeologists from the University of Oxford and LMU Munich – compared the viral genomes of modern and ancient birds. This analysis allowed them to specifically pinpoint the genetic alterations responsible for the increased virulence of Marek’s disease over the years.
In addition, the ancient bird DNA indicated that Marek’s disease was infecting European chickens at least 1,000 years earlier than when it was originally described as a mild disease in 1907.
“Our findings not only unravel the evolutionary history of the Marek's Disease Virus but also provide a foundation for enhancing our current understanding of pathogen virulence. By combining ancient DNA techniques with modern genomics, we've opened a window into the past that can guide future strategies in managing viral diseases,” said first author of the study, Steven Fiddaman, Department of Biology, University of Oxford.
Marek’s disease is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause tumors to develop in various parts of the body, eye cancer, wing and leg paralysis and eventually death. It is spread through bird feed, bedding material, bird droppings, feathers and dead skin. The disease costs the poultry industry an estimated $1 billion each year.
