sequencing of the Manx Shearwater Interferon gamma gene. Manx Shearwater Interferon gamma gene

Puffinosis is a disease that affects the Manx Shearwater, Puffinus puffinus, with symptoms including blister formation on the webs of feet. These birds are adapted to sea living, but visit Skomer and Skokholm islands off the Pembrokeshire coast during breeding season. A high percentage of young fledglings die on the island, showing symptoms of Puffinosis. Phylogenetic analysis of avian species identified a close homology of Manx Shearwater with the Northern Fulmar, allowing primer design, PCR and partial sequencing of the Manx Shearwater Interferon Gamma gene (IFNγ). This will now be used as a molecular tool to allow investigation of Puffinosis.