Siba K. Samal, Professor
Over the years I have worked with several economically important veterinary viruses. These viruses include blue tongue virus (BTV), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), aquareoviruses, avian meta pneumovirus (AMPV), Newcastle disease virus (NDV), and other avian paramyxovirses. Our laboratory was the first to show genetic reassortment of BTV in sheep and mosquito. The molecular biology, genome sequence and reverse genetics system were developed for BRSV.A new group of fish viruses were first characterized in our laboratory. Based on our research a new genus Aquareovirus was created by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses. Several major genes of AMPV-C were first sequenced and a reverse genetics system was also developed for APMV-C. The first complete genome sequence and the first reverse genetics system were developed for NDV. We have shown that avirulent NDV strain LaSota can be used as a vaccine vector for human, animal and avian pathogens. We have also determined the complete genome sequences of nine other avian paramyxovirus serotypes. Reverse genetics systems have also been developed for several of these avian paramyxovirus serotypes. The reseach conducted in our laboratory has greatly improved our understanding of molecular biology, genetics, and pathogenesis of these important veterinary viruses and has led to development of avian paramyxovirus vector vaccines for human, animal, and avian pathogens.
