Investigating the effects of transmissible vaccines on disease spread and evolution in poultry.

US-UK Collab: The consequences of transmissible vaccines on disease ecology and pathogen evolution: Marek's disease virus as a case study

['FUNDING_R01'] · PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY, THE · NIH-10845265

This study is looking at how a special type of vaccine for Marek's disease in chickens, which can spread from vaccinated birds to those that aren't vaccinated, affects the spread of the disease and helps improve vaccination methods on farms.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorPENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY, THE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (UNIVERSITY PARK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10845265 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research explores how transmissible vaccines, which can spread from vaccinated to unvaccinated animals, impact the ecology and evolution of diseases in poultry, specifically focusing on Marek's disease. The study aims to quantify the effects of the Rispens vaccine, a widely used vaccine for Marek's disease, on disease dynamics in poultry populations. By analyzing the transmission patterns and potential risks associated with these vaccines, the research seeks to improve vaccination strategies in agricultural settings. The findings could help inform better practices for controlling infectious diseases in farm animals.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include poultry farmers and veterinarians involved in the management of Marek's disease in birds.

Not a fit: Patients who do not work with poultry or are not involved in animal husbandry may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective vaccination strategies that enhance disease control in poultry, benefiting farmers and the poultry industry.

How similar studies have performed: While the concept of transmissible vaccines is being explored, this specific approach to studying their effects on disease ecology in poultry is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

UNIVERSITY PARK, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Animal Diseases, Infectious Disease Pathway, Infectious Diseases, Infectious Disorder, Communicable Diseases

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.