Board Research Initiative (BRI) Competiton

Combating Turkey Coronavirus in the Turkey Industry - 9/22/25

Turkey coronavirus (TCV) is a highly contagious viral enteric disease affecting turkeys and occurs in most turkey-producing regions worldwide. Clinical signs can range from subclinical infections to severe diarrhea, high morbidity, and mortality. Infected flocks may show depression, anorexia, reduced weight gain, and increased feed conversion, while breeder hens infected during lay may experience a drop in egg production. Read full initiative...

Advancing Knowledge and Management of Infectious Coryza in Layers - 9/22/25

Infectious Coryza, caused by Avibacterium paragallinarum (AP), is an upper respiratory disease that can cause significant drops in egg production. The chronic carrier state established in infected flocks makes control and eradication particularly challenging in multi-age layer complexes, leading to substantial economic losses. These losses result not only from reduced production but also from heightened biosecurity measures and the cost and logistics of administering two doses of inactivated vaccines to incoming pullets. Read full initiative...

Improved Measures for Controlling Blackhead Disease in Turkeys and Chickens - 9/22/25

Blackhead disease is a significant concern in the commercial turkey and chicken industries. Turkeys typically acquire the disease through ingestion of the eggs of the cecal worm Heterakis gallinarum, which can be transmitted via contact with infected chickens or contaminated chicken litter. This worm serves as the intermediate host for the protozoan parasite Histomonas meleagridis, the causative agent of blackhead disease. Currently, no chemotherapeutic agents are available to prevent or treat the disease, as previous drugs have been withdrawn from the market, and effective vaccines have not yet been developed. Read full initiative...

Refining Avian Metapneumovirus Vaccination Strategies for Improved Disease Management - 9/22/25

Research is needed to support the development of vaccination strategies to rapidly respond to an emerging poultry disease challenge, Avian Metapneumovirus (aMPV). aMPV, also known as Turkey Rhinotracheitis, Avian Pneumovirus, Avian Rhinotracheitis and Swollen Head Syndrome, is an acute respiratory tract infection of poultry. It is associated with swollen head syndrome, as well as reproductive disorders, which can cause a drastic decrease in egg production for poultry breeders. Infection with aMPV can be complicated by secondary bacterial or viral infections due to significant immunosuppression from aMPV, resulting in significant mortality. Read full initiative...