Haroldo Toro

Phone: 334-844-2662

e-mail: torohar@vetmed.auburn.edu

Dr. Haroldo Toro, Professor of Avian Diseases in the Department of Pathobiology, received his DVM degree in 1983 from the Chile University 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 at the Laboratory of Avian Pathology. Before starting his thesis, he spent 6 months at the Hannover College of Veterinary Medicine (Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover), Germany, gaining experience in small animal, large animal, and poultry diseases. He received his PhD from the Institute of Avian Diseases, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Germany in 1987, under the guidance of Prof. Dr. E. F. Kaleta. His thesis work on new methodology to differentiate IBV and the presence of Dutch strains in Western Germany achieved magna cum laude. In 1987, Dr. Toro started his academic carrier at the Laboratory of Avian Pathology, Chile University College of Veterinary Sciences, in Santiago. Between 1987 and 2002 his research was mainly focused on three topics: (1) The local immune response against IBV; (2) Chicken anemia virus (CAV) and its association with other avian pathogens; and (3) Diseases of free-living birds. These research works were funded by competitive governmental ( Chile) and international foundations ( Sweden, Germany, U.K.). During this period he taught Avian Diseases to veterinary students and guided several DVM and Master thesis. After 15-year tenure at the Chile University, he joined the faculty at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in May 2002.

Research Interests

My research incorporates pathological, epidemiological, etiological, and immunological aspects of viral diseases of avian species. My current research work focuses on the following topics: (1) understanding chicken anemia virus (CAV) and the interactions of CAV with other avian pathogens; (2) understanding the role of avian infectious bronchitis in respiratory disease in broiler chickens, and two aspects of avian influenza (AI); evaluation of a novel replicative defective adenovirus recombinant vaccine to protect chickens against AI, and evaluation of the chicken Mx gene for resistance against AI in commercial chicken populations. In addition I became interested in the use of bacteriophages as a tool to reduce Salmonella from infected chickens. Our results have been encouraging and we intend to continue work in this important intervention area of food safety.

The laboratory of Avian Diseases includes in vivo and in vitro systems for the evaluation of disease. In the laboratory we perform replication and titration of avian pathogens, genome detection by PCR, and serological tests such as immunofluorescence, immunoperoxidase, virus neutralization, ELISA, etc. As result of joint work with other scientists within the Department, other tools such as real time PCR, histomorphometry, flow cytometry, gene sequencing, etc. are available for our work in avian diseases. For in vivo experiments we have a 3000 sqf building to house experimental birds. This facility, containing Horsfall-type isolation units, allows us to conduct pathogenicity and other evaluations in specific-pathogen-free chickens. 

Selected Publications

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. Gonzalez, L. Cerda, M.A. Morales, P.Dooner, & M. Salamero (2002). Prevention of inclusion body hepatitis/hydropericardium syndrome in progeny chickens by vaccination of breeders with fowl adenovirus and chicken anemia virus. Avian Diseases, 46: 547-554.

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 anaemia 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.