Jong-Yeol Park, a PhD candidate in the Department of Veterinary Medicine at Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) (supervisor Min Kang), received the Best Paper Presentation Award at the 2026 Joint Symposium and Scientific Conference of the Korean Poultry Science Association and the Korean Society of Animal Science for his research elucidating the limits of maternal-derived antibodies against low pathogenic avian influenza in broiler chickens.

At the conference, Park presented his research under the title 'Limitations of Maternal Antibody-Mediated Protection Against Y280-Lineage H9N2 Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI) in Broiler Chickens and the Need for Early Active Immunization Strategies.'

This study focused on a multifaceted analysis of broiler defense mechanisms against H9N2 low pathogenic avian influenza, which continues to cause economic losses in the domestic poultry industry. The research team found that the maternal-derived antibodies (MDA) transmitted from breeder flocks have a half-life of only approximately 3.8 days, indicating that an immunity gap can occur after two weeks of age.

They also scientifically demonstrated that maternal-derived antibodies alone are insufficient to completely prevent viral replication and shedding in the upper respiratory tract. The results support the need for new vaccine strategies to supplement the early immune defenses of broiler chickens.

Accordingly, the team proposed introducing early vaccination strategies, such as in ovo administration prior to hatch or administration of next-generation recombinant vector or DNA vaccines on the day of hatch. The proposal drew attention from the academic community for offering highly field-applicable disease-control options.

Park said, 'It is very meaningful that our continued research to address critical poultry diseases in the field has received consecutive positive evaluations. I will continue to do my best to establish next-generation poultry vaccine programs and disease-control strategies that can be practically applied in the field.'

Meanwhile, Park previously received an Excellence Presentation Award at the 2023 50th Anniversary Scientific Conference of the Korean Poultry Science Association for his research on developing recombinant viral vaccines using CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology. His sustained research achievements in poultry disease control and vaccine development are recognized as demonstrating his expertise.