The global poultry sector continues to grapple with the devastating impact of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), prompting researchers to explore innovative approaches to disease control.
Among those at the forefront is Professor Mike McGrew, a professor of avian reproductive technologies at The Roslin Institute in the UK. His work on gene-edited chickens could help reduce the impact of bird flu while contributing to the conservation of rare poultry breeds.
For more than 2 decades, McGrew has applied developmental biology and reproductive technologies to practical challenges facing the poultry industry. Originally trained as a developmental biologist, he began working with chicken embryos because of their value as a research model before moving towards applied avian science after joining the Roslin Institute in 2001.
Developing chickens with increased resistance
Today, one of his most significant areas of research centres on developing chickens with increased resistance to avian influenza. While vaccination, biosecurity and surveillance remain the industry’s primary defences against HPAI, McGrew believes genetic technologies could offer an additional layer of protection.
His team has been investigating how the influenza virus interacts with chicken cells and whether targeted genetic changes can disrupt the infection process. Using gene-editing techniques, researchers altered a small section of the birds’ DNA involved in the virus’s ability to infect host cells. The result was a chicken that was significantly less susceptible to infection, although not completely resistant.
“We used gene editing to alter a small section of bird DNA and this was able to restrict, although not completely block, the flu virus from infecting chickens,” McGrew explained.
While the research remains ongoing, the findings have generated considerable interest because they demonstrate the potential for genetics to complement existing disease-control measures. Complete resistance remains a complex scientific challenge, but limiting viral infection and spread could ultimately reduce the impact of outbreaks on commercial poultry flocks.
From disease resistance to breed conservation
McGrew regards progress towards bird flu-resistant chickens as one of the achievements he is most proud of. The work builds on broader expertise developed by his laboratory in avian reproductive technologies, including the creation of gene-edited chickens using surrogate host technology.
Although initially developed to conserve poultry genetics and protect rare breeds, these technologies could also accelerate the development and dissemination of disease-resistant traits across poultry populations.
The long-term ambition stretches beyond domestic poultry. Looking ahead, McGrew hopes advances in avian reproductive biology can be applied to other bird species threatened with extinction. However, bird flu remains a major focus.
“I’d love to progress research towards a flu-resistant chicken,” he said.
As avian influenza continues to challenge poultry producers worldwide, research efforts such as those taking place at the Roslin Institute highlight how genetics could play an increasingly important role in safeguarding flock health.
