Impact of genetics on disease resistance.
The genetics of a bird or flock has a profound impact on its ability to resist disease, because genetics define the maximum achievable performance level. Careful attention should be paid to genetics as an important component of a comprehensive disease management program including high-level biosecurity, sanitation, and appropriate vaccination programs. Some specific genes (e.g., the MHC) are known to play a role in disease resistance, but resistance is generally a polygenic phenomenon. Future research directions will expand knowledge of the impact of genetics on disease resistance by identifying non-MHC genetic control of resistance and by further elucidating mechanisms regulating expression of genes related to immune response.
Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames 50011-3150, USA. sjlamont@iastate.edu
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D000818:Animals; D000917:Antibody Formation / Q000235:genetics; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000662:veterinary; D002645:Chickens; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000235:genetics*; D008285:Major Histocompatibility Complex; D011200:Poultry; D011201:Poultry Diseases / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D014611:Vaccination / Q000662:veterinary