Surveillance and Molecular Characterization of Marek's Disease Virus (MDV) Strains Circulating in Tanzania.

ABSTRACT: Marek's disease (MD) is a highly contagious and oncogenic viral disease of poultry, causing significant economic losses due to mortality and reduced performance. The rapid evolution of Marek's disease virus (MDV) has been reported in poultry farms, often overcoming vaccination and leading to disease outbreaks. This study aimed to detect and molecularly characterize circulating MDV strains in Tanzania, with a focus on their genetic relationship with the vaccine strains currently in use (HVT and CVI988). Samples were collected from six livestock representative zones in Tanzania (Central, Eastern, Southern, Southern Highlands, Lake, and Northern Zone) and analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of key oncogenic genes (meq, pp38, and vIL-8). Phylogene

SUBMITTER: Chengula AA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12115803 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature