ARS | Publication request: History and Accomplishments of USDA-ARS Avian Disease and Oncology Laboratory

Submitted to: North Central Avian Disease Conference
Publication Type: Abstract
Publication Acceptance Date: March 15, 2009
Publication Date: March 26, 2009
Citation: Fadly, A.M. 2009. History and Accomplishments of USDA-Agricultural Research Service Avian Disease and Oncology Laboratory [abstract]. North Central Avian Disease Conference Proceedings, March 15-17, 2009, St, Paul, Minnesota. p. 22-27.

Technical Abstract: The USDA-Agricultural Research Service Avian Disease and Oncology Laboratory (ADOL) in East Lansing, Michigan, formerly known as Regional Poultry Research Laboratory, was dedicated on August 8, 1939. Its establishment was the result of joint efforts by the Agricultural Experiment Stations of the Northeastern and North Central States and USDA. The mission of the ADOL is "to provide leadership in solving current and future problems in neoplastic and other viral diseases of poultry using basic and applied multidisciplinary team approaches thereby benefiting the poultry industry and consumers.¿ The unit is also leading the national research effort to map the chicken genome, which should improve disease control and poultry production through modern techniques for genetic selection and breeding. Since its establishment, the ADOL has always provided the necessary leadership in solving problems in neoplastic and other viral diseases of poultry. The research conducted at the ADOL has been contributing significantly to reducing losses from these diseases in chickens and turkeys and consequently making poultry food products cheaper and of higher quality for consumers. The ADOL is considered the national and international Center of Excellence for Avian Tumor Virus Research. The ADOL serves as a World Animal Health Organization (OIE) Reference Laboratory for Marek¿s disease, and as the lead location in the USA for developing genomic tools and reagents of the chicken genome. The ADOL has produced and continues to produce quality research (e.g. 78 Peer reviewed Journal articles in last five years, 2004 through 2008) with significant impact that is highly relevant to the industry and its needs. The beneficiaries of ADOL research program include biologics manufacturers, poultry breeding and producers companies, poultry, diagnostic laboratories, USDA/APHIS, and other primary research laboratories. The ADOL has been fulfilling the USDA-ARS mission to support U.S. agriculture, which in this case is the $31+ billion poultry industry, the 3rd largest agricultural commodity group. The ADOL is in frequent contact with its stakeholders to ensure that its research priorities are consistent with the poultry industry.