Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine

Haroldo Toro, DVM, PhD

Haroldo Toro, professor of avian diseases in the Department of Pathobiology, received his DVM degree in 1983 from the University of Chile College of Veterinary Sciences. His DVM thesis on antigenic and pathogenic characterization of avian infectious bronchitis (IBV) field isolates was directed by Dr. H. Hidalgo in the Laboratory of Avian Pathology. In 1987, Dr. Toro received his PhD from the Institute of Avian Diseases of Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Germany, under the guidance of Prof. Dr. E. F. Kaleta. His thesis work on new methods for the differentiation of IBV achieved magna cum laude. In 1987, Dr. Toro started his academic carrier at the University of Chile College of Veterinary Sciences, in Santiago. Between 1987 and 2002 his research was mainly focused on (1) local immune responses against IBV; (2) chicken anemia virus and its association with other avian pathogens; and (3) diseases of free-living birds. During this period he taught Avian Diseases to veterinary students and guided numerous DVM theses. After 15-years at the University of Chile, he joined the faculty at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in May, 2002.

334-844-2662
torohar@auburn.edu

Research Interests

My research incorporates pathological, epidemiological, etiological, and immunological aspects of viral diseases of avian species. My current research work focuses on (1) further understanding chicken anemia virus (CAV) and the interactions of CAV with other avian pathogens; (2) further understanding the role of infectious bronchitis virus in respiratory disease of commercial chickens, and (3) development of a vaccine against avian influenza virus. My laboratory of Avian Diseases includes in vivo and in vitro systems for evaluation of disease.

Selected Publications

Toro, H. D.C. Tang, D.L. Suarez, M.J. Sylte, J. Pfeiffer&K.R. van Kampen (2007). Protective avian influenza in ovo vaccination with non-replicating human adenovirus vector. Vaccine 25: 2886-2891.

Toro, H., V. L. van Santen, L. Li, S.B. Lockaby, E. van Santen, F. J. Hoerr (2006). Epidemiological and Experimental Evidence for Immunodeficiency Affecting Avian Infectious Bronchitis. Avian Pathology 35:1-10.

Toro, H., S. Ewald, and F.J. Hoerr (2006). Serological evidence of chicken infectious anemia virus in the United States at least since 1959. Avian Diseases, 50:124-126.

Toro, H., S.B. Price, S. McKee, F.J. Hoerr, J. Krehling, M. Perdue, & L. Bauermeister (2005). Use of Bacteriophages in Combination with Competitive Exclusion to Reduce Salmonella from Infected Chickens. Avian Diseases, 49:118-124.

Toro, H., F. J. Hoerr, K. Farmer, C. C. Dykstra, S. R. Roberts, & M. Perdue (2005). Pigeon Paramyxovirus: Association with Common Avian Pathogens in Chickens and Serologic Survey in Wild Birds. Avian Diseases, 49:92-99.

Van Santen, V., F.J. Hoerr, K. Joiner, C. Murray, N. Petrenko, & H. Toro (2004). Pathogenesis of Chicken Anemia Virus: Comparison of the Oral and the Intramuscular Routes of Infection. Avian Diseases, 48:494-504.

Toro, H., C. González, L. Cerda, M. Hess E. Reyes, & C. Geisse (2000). Chicken anemia virus and fowl adenoviruses: Association to induce the inclusion body hepatitis/hydropericardium syndrome. Avian Diseases, 44:51-58.

Toro, H., C. Saucedo, C. Borie, R.E. Gough, & H. Alcaíno (1999). Health Status of Free-Living Pigeons in the City of Santiago. Avian Pathology, 28: 619-623.

Toro, H., A.M. Ramírez, & J. Larenas (1997). Pathogenicity of chicken anemia virus (isolate 10343) for young and older chickens. Avian Pathology, 26:485-499.

Toro, H., C. Espinoza, V. Ponce, V. Rojas, M.A. Morales, & E. F.Kaleta (1997). Infectious Bronchitis: Effect of viral doses and routes on specific lachrymal and serum antibody responses in chickens. Avian Diseases, 41:379-387.

Toro, H., E.F. Pavéz, G. Montes, R.E. Gough, & E.F. Kaleta (1997). Serum chemistry and antibody status to some avian pathogens of free-living and captive condors (Vultur gryphus) of Central Chile. Avian Pathology, 26: 339-345.