National Institute of Animal Health, NARO

Emerging virus group is conducting basic research on emerging and re-emerging viral infections and development of its control and diagnostic methods.

For the avian influenza virus, data obtained from next-generation sequencers are converted into the complete genome sequences of the virus using our developed software. These data are utilized for estimating the infectivity to humans, virus introduction route into Japan and each farm, and for verification & development of genetic diagnosis methods. BSL3 (Biosafety level-3 facility) is also used to analyze viral characterization such as pathogenicity tests and to develop recombinant vaccines. For the swine influenza viruses that can also infect humans, we work on collecting the status of circulating viruses in Japan and develop effective vaccines. Moreover, we will clarify the circulation mechanism of the virus on the farm and propose an effective vaccine program.

In recent years, animal-derived beta-coronaviruses such as SARS, MERS, and COVID-19 have been transmitted to humans through livestock or wild animals, causing pandemics. To assess the risk of human infection in preparation for the emergence of a new pandemic virus, it is very important to accurately understand epidemiology of coronavirus and interspecific transmission in livestock and wild animals. In addition, we have developed genetic engineering technologies for few coronaviruses. We are accumulating useful knowledge for development the effective vaccine by elucidating viral antigenicity and pathogenicity.