IMPACT OF GENETICS ON DISEASE RESISTANCE

The genetics of a bird or flock has a profound impact on its ability t o resist disease, because genetics define the maximum achievable perfo rmance level. Careful attention should be paid to genetics as an impor tant component of a comprehensive disease management program including high-level biosecurity, sanitation, and appropriate vaccination progr ams. Some specific genes (e.g., the MHC) are known to play a role in d isease resistance, but resistance is generally a polygenic phenomenon. Future research directions will expand knowledge of the impact of gen etics on disease resistance by identifying non-MHC genetic control of resistance and by further elucidating mechanisms regulating expression of genes related to immune response.