Target audience
The course is specifically designed for poultry health and industry professionals including vets and laboratory staff responsible for implementing diagnostic techniques to detect Marek’s disease virus (MDV). The course can also be useful to anyone with a general interest in learning about the pathogenicity, clinical disease, epidemiology, and control of the virus.
Requirements and qualifications
Access to a computer with a reliable internet connection is essential. The course is prepared in English (UK).
Course description
This eLearning course, designed in collaboration with subject matter experts in the MDV WOAH reference laboratory at Pirbright, is intended to broaden participants’ understanding of MD, and the virus which causes it. The course specifically focuses on information that would be useful for vets or laboratory staff undertaking laboratory diagnostic testing for MDV.
Learning outcomes
Divided into 6 individual modules, you will be able to:
- Discuss the history, impact, structure, and stability of MDV.
- Describe the pathogenesis and spread of MDV including sources of infection, replication, and immunity.
- Recognise the clinical signs of the different clinical forms of MD and compare with other diseases for differential diagnoses.
- Explain laboratory diagnostics including molecular, virological, and serological techniques as well as the pathological and histopathological changes.
- Discuss control and risk mitigation strategies including biosecurity, genetic resistance, and vaccination.
- Outline methods for sample dispatch and receipt.
Course modules
The course comprises the following modules:
| Module Title | Duration (minutes) | No of questions | |
| 1, | Introductory module | 30 | 16 |
| 2. | Pathogenesis and spread of MDV | 15 | 7 |
| 3. | Clinical diagnosis of MD | 15 | 8 |
| 4. | Introduction to laboratory diagnosis | 20 | 9 |
| 5. | Disease control | 20 | 8 |
| 6. | Sample dispatch and receipt | 15 | 7 |
A certificate will be awarded to individuals successfully completing all modules of the course.
Next steps
Contact Pirbright Training for portal access details.