2008 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) To develop in vitro immunoassays to measure the efficacy of DNA vaccines for poultry. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Develop in vitro cell culture system to measure gene expression, immune response, and vaccine efficacy. 3.Progress Report This research develops an in ovo DNA vaccine strategy against avian influenza. The Project was initiated as a result of a consortium grant provided by the Canadian Ministry of Agriculture and involves scientists from USDA-ARS, CFIA’s Ottawa laboratory (Fallowfield), CFIA’s Saskatoon laboratory, CFIA’s National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease laboratory in Winnipeg, and the University of Saskatoon. ARS scientists provide expertise in the area of embryo vaccination technology and molecular immunology to carry out a joint research project entitled "Development of an in vitro test for the evaluation of the potency of an avian influenza DNA vaccine for chickens." During the first year, real-time PCR for various chicken cytokines and chemokines were optimized and DNA vectored recombinant vaccines were constructed. This project is being monitored by monthly teleconferences and frequent meetings at the national and international meetings where both parties attend.