Controlling a deadly parasite in turkey flocks
Official title: Controlling Histomonas meleagridis transmission in turkey flocks
Funded at Division of Agriculture · NIH-11162190 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a harmful parasite that makes turkeys very sick, and it's trying to figure out how it spreads and how certain protective structures help it survive, with the goal of finding ways to keep turkey flocks healthier and improve farming practices.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Division of Agriculture NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fayetteville, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $639,632 |
| NIH project number | 1U18FD008479-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11162190 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are turkey farmers and poultry producers who are affected by or concerned about Histomonas meleagridis infections in their flocks.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not own or manage turkey flocks or are not involved in poultry farming may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates Histomonas meleagridis, a parasite that causes severe illness and high mortality rates in turkeys. The study aims to understand how this parasite spreads among turkey populations and the role of cyst-like structures that protect it from environmental stresses. By examining these structures, the researchers hope to identify potential methods to control or prevent infections in turkey flocks, which could lead to healthier birds and more sustainable farming practices.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective strategies for controlling a deadly parasite in turkeys, improving animal health and farm productivity.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research specifically targeting Histomonas meleagridis, similar approaches to controlling other poultry diseases have shown promise in the past.
Where this research is happening
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Division of Agriculture
Fayetteville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Graham, Danielle — Division of Agriculture
- Study coordinator: Graham, Danielle
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Controlling Histomonas gallinarum transmission in turkey flocks
A study in turkeys will explore how a cyst-like form of Histomonas meleagridis spreads within flocks and test ways to block transmission, aiming to protect turkey health.
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Controlling Histomonas meleagridis spread in turkey flocks
A study in turkeys will look at how the parasite Histomonas meleagridis spreads in farms and what form helps it survive, with the goal of stopping outbreaks.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.