Animal Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 10-18 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/amb 11 In this study, we comprehensively explored the genetic resolution of poultry disease resistance through the perspective of genome-wide association studies (GWAS), covering the economic and social impacts of poultry diseases, the role of genetics in poultry disease resistance, and the importance and application of GWAS. These research results are not only of great significance for the sustainable development of the poultry industry, but also provide a new scientific basis and methodology for the prevention and control of poultry diseases, which is an important contribution to the improvement of global food safety and the protection of public health. 1 Overview of Poultry Diseases 1.1 Classification and characteristics of common poultry diseases Poultry diseases are diseases that affect various poultry such as chickens, ducks and geese, and they are usually caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. Common poultry diseases can be categorized according to the type of pathogen, and each disease has its specific transmission pathway, clinical symptoms and control measures. Avian influenza (AI) is a highly contagious disease caused by avian influenza viruses and is categorized into highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI). Outbreaks caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses are often characterized by acute and high mortality rates, and the main symptoms include respiratory and neurological symptoms, which have caused serious economic losses to the poultry farming industry. Outbreaks caused by low pathogenicity avian influenza viruses are relatively mild, but still affect the performance and immune function of poultry (Mo et al., 2022). Marek's disease (MD) is an acute infectious disease caused by Marek's virus that mainly infects the respiratory and digestive tracts of poultry. The disease is characterized by rapid spread and high lethality, and clinical symptoms include fever, respiratory distress, and increased mucus secretions. Marek's disease has a serious impact on the performance and immune function of chickens and is one of the important diseases in poultry farming (Abdelsattar et al., 2022). Infectious bronchitis (IB) is an infectious disease caused by bronchitis virus, which mainly infects the respiratory system of poultry (Rong et al., 2023). The disease is characterized by rapid spread and severe symptoms, such as respiratory distress, coughing, and inflammation of the tracheal mucosa. Infectious bronchitis not only affects poultry performance, but may also lead to complex secondary infections and complications, posing a serious threat to poultry health (Figure 1). In summary, poultry diseases are categorized according to the type of pathogen causing the disease and the characteristics of clinical manifestations, and each disease has its transmission pathway, clinical symptoms and control measures. Timely and effective preventive measures and control strategies are essential to maintain poultry health and ensure the stable development of the breeding industry. 1.2 Impact of disease on poultry production The impact of disease on poultry production is multifaceted and it can cause serious economic losses and production disturbances in poultry farming. Diseases can lead to inhibited growth and reduced productivity of poultry. Poultry infected with viral diseases such as avian influenza often suffer from loss of appetite and slow growth, leading to a longer growth cycle for broilers and laying hens and an increase in farming costs. Diseases can cause increased mortality in poultry. Large-scale mortality often occurs on poultry farms during outbreaks. Especially in the absence of effective preventive and control measures, the mortality rate can be very high, resulting in heavy losses for farmers. Diseases also affect the reproductive ability and reproductive capacity of poultry, resulting in lower hatchability and reduced egg production, which further affects farming efficiency. In addition to direct economic losses, diseases may also raise concerns about the quality and safety of poultry products, affecting market sales and consumer confidence. Effective disease prevention and control are essential to maintain the stability of poultry production and improve economic efficiency (Endersen and Coffey, 2020).
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