3.5 Viruses
| Programme Title: | Possum Viruses |
| Programme Leader: | Dr Joseph O’Keefe |
| Institution: | AgResearch, Wallaceville |
| Programme Goal: | To isolate, characterise and genetically manipulate possum viruses for the biological control of possums. |
Objective 1
| Objective Title: | Possum Viruses |
| Research Leader: | Dr Joseph O’Keefe |
Description:
Isolation, characterisation and genetic manipulation of possum viruses for the biological control of possums by;
- Establishing a model system of herpesvirus infection (specifically MHV-1) and using it to develop methods to infect, producing an immune response, establishing a latent infection and to reactivate virus in brushtail possums
- Combining existing techniques and those developed in the model system to identify naturally occurring herpesvirus infections in brushtail possums.
- Addressing the classification of the causative agent of wobbly possum disease through the use of molecular techniques, such as subtractive hybridisation methods.
- Establishing a collaboration with an overseas laboratory with the aim of gaining further knowledge about wobbly possum disease virus and its relationship with Borna disease virus.
- Investigating outbreaks of disease in possums that may be of viral origin with the aim of isolating and characterising new viruses.
Objective 2
| Objective Title: | Isolation and characterisation of possum adeno viruses. |
| Research Leader: | Dr Joanne Meers (Massey University) |
Description
The goal of this work is to develop a virus which can be used as a vector of foreign DNA encoding a gene which can inhibit possum reproduction. The immediate aims of this objective are to isolate and characterise possum adeno viruses.
Contact for Enquiries
Farm Monitoring Programme Manager
Monitoring and Evaluation
MAF Policy
PO Box 2526
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 4 894 0623
Fax: +64 4 894 0741
Contact this person
