An EconoTimes perspective

Timothy J. Mahony

Professor, Centre for Animal Science, The University of Queensland

Professor, Centre for Animal Science, The University of Queensland My research interests are in molecular virology and are focused on improving viral disease control in production animals such as cattle and poultry. My group is characterising the molecular interactions between invading pathogens and the subsequent host responses with the goal of developing new vaccines and diagnostic technologies. A key component of this work includes improving the basic understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underpin and drive viral virulence (the capacity to cause disease) and pathogen evolution. We have utilised next-generation sequencing technologies to sequence the genomes of herpesviruses and adenoviruses from various species including, cattle, chickens, marsupials, horses, and crocodiles. My team is also investigating the role of virally encoded non-coding RNAS in virulence, virus replication, and disease development. The outcomes of these research activities are also being used to understand viral gene function and the development of novel vaccines to increase livestock productivity.