The disease Newcastle is a major killer of poultry in developing countries. To combat the disease, Mexican researchers have developed a genetically modified maize, creating an edible vaccine. This lab-produced maize once successful will help small-scale poultry farmers protect their flocks.
Though the vaccines against Newcastle already exist, these are not usually available in small quantities mostly required by single families or villages. A gene from the Newcastle disease virus is inserted into the maize DNA, so that the chickens eating the genetically modified (GM) maize produces antibodies against the virus.
In the experiment done by Octavio Guerrero-Andrade of the Center for Research and Advanced Studies (CINVESTAV) in Guanajuato and his colleagues, the maize provided a level of protection against infection in compared to that of the commercial vaccines.
