ASU researchers studying cowpox virus

November 6, 2009

By hammersmith

[Source: The State Press] – Researchers at ASU’s Biodesign Institute are deciphering the genetic coding of the cowpox virus in hope of creating a better vaccine to combat the smallpox virus.

Kathryn Sykes, a researcher at the Biodesign Institute, said using cowpox as a framework for smallpox and other pox viruses is effective because they share many of the same genes.

Cowpox is a skin disease transmitted to humans through animals.

For more information: ASU researchers studying cowpox virus