Overview
Background
Prof Tim Mahony joined QAAFI’s Centre for Animal Science in October 2010, after 15 years of conducting research projects with the Queensland Government. He obtained his PhD from James Cook University in the area of molecular microbiology. During 2001 and 2002, Prof Mahony was a visiting professor at the University of Saskatchewan.
Research interests
Dr Mahony’s research interests are in the area of molecular virology revolving around improving viral disease control in production animals such as cattle and poultry. His group is characterising the molecular interactions between invading pathogens and the subsequent host responses with the goal of developing new vaccines and diagnostic technologies. A key component of this work includes improving the basic understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underpin and drive viral virulence and evolution. Next-generation sequencing has been used to sequence the genomes of herpesviruses and adenoviruses from a variety of species including, cattle, chickens, marsupials, horses, and crocodiles. Prof Mahony’s team is also investigating the role of virally encoded microRNAs in virulence, replication, and disease development. His group was one of the first in the world to apply bacterial artificial chromosome infectious clone technology for the efficient manipulation of herpesviruses that have large DNA genomes. These strategies are also being exploited to understand viral gene function and the development of vaccines.
Currently, Prof Mahony is researching risk factors that protect and predispose feedlot cattle to developing bovine respiratory disease (BRD). He is also leading the development of new vaccines for BRD and cattle tick infestations. Prof Mahony has also led the development of new vaccine delivery technologies for the poultry industry targeting the application of in ovo strategies. Prof Mahony research into improving animal health is increasing industry productivity, food safety, and consumer confidence in food products and he is keen to explore collaborations with other scientists in this area.
Prof Mahony has a strong interest to work with post-graduate students and has supervised a number of post-graduate students from Australia and overseas. These projects have covered research areas in molecular virology, animal health, vaccine development, and pathogen-host interactions.
Availability
- Professor Timothy Mahony is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, James Cook University
Works
Search Professor Timothy Mahony’s works on UQ eSpace
2025
Journal Article
Delivery of virus-specific dsRNA using a composite nanomaterial improves the protection of shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) against yellow head virus challenge
Suksai, Sucharat, Attasart, Pongsopee, Angsujinda, Kitipong, Zhang, Bing, Xu, Zhi Ping, Mitter, Neena, Mahony, Timothy J. and Assavalapsakul, Wanchai (2025). Delivery of virus-specific dsRNA using a composite nanomaterial improves the protection of shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) against yellow head virus challenge. Aquaculture, 595 741570, 741570. doi: 10.1016/j.aquaculture.2024.741570
2024
Journal Article
Potential approaches to create ultimate genotypes in crops and livestock
Hayes, Ben J., Mahony, Timothy J., Villiers, Kira, Warburton, Christie, Kemper, Kathryn E., Dinglasan, Eric, Robinson, Hannah, Powell, Owen, Voss-Fels, Kai, Godwin, Ian D. and Hickey, Lee T. (2024). Potential approaches to create ultimate genotypes in crops and livestock. Nature Genetics, 56 (11), 2310-2317. doi: 10.1038/s41588-024-01942-0
2024
Journal Article
Chromosome-Scale Genome Assembly of the Sheep-Biting Louse Bovicola ovis Using Nanopore Sequencing Data and Pore-C Analysis
Ong, Chian Teng, Mody, Karishma T., Cavallaro, Antonino S., Yan, Yakun, Nguyen, Loan T., Shao, Renfu, Mitter, Neena, Mahony, Timothy J. and Ross, Elizabeth M. (2024). Chromosome-Scale Genome Assembly of the Sheep-Biting Louse Bovicola ovis Using Nanopore Sequencing Data and Pore-C Analysis. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25 (14) 7824, 7824. doi: 10.3390/ijms25147824
2024
Journal Article
The use of cell and larval assays to identify target genes for <scp>RNA</scp> interference‐meditated control of the Australian sheep blowfly (<scp><i>Lucilia cuprina</i></scp>)
Yang, Yunjia, Zhang, Bing, Yong, Jiaxi, James, Peter, Xu, Zhi Ping, Mitter, Neena, Mahony, Timothy J and Mody, Karishma T (2024). The use of cell and larval assays to identify target genes for RNA interference‐meditated control of the Australian sheep blowfly (Lucilia cuprina). Pest Management Science, 80 (9), 4686-4698. doi: 10.1002/ps.8190
2024
Journal Article
Epidemiological Risk Factors and Modelling Approaches for Risk Assessment of Lumpy Skin Disease Virus Introduction and Spread: Methodological Review and Implications for Risk-Based Surveillance in Australia
Owada, Kei, Mahony, Timothy J., Ambrose, Rebecca K., Hayes, Ben J. and Soares Magalhães, Ricardo J. (2024). Epidemiological Risk Factors and Modelling Approaches for Risk Assessment of Lumpy Skin Disease Virus Introduction and Spread: Methodological Review and Implications for Risk-Based Surveillance in Australia. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, 2024 ARTN 3090226, 1-16. doi: 10.1155/2024/3090226
2024
Journal Article
Short Communication: Genomic estimated breeding values for bovine respiratory disease resistance in Angus feedlot cattle
Hayes, B J, Duff, C J, Hine, B C and Mahony, T J (2024). Short Communication: Genomic estimated breeding values for bovine respiratory disease resistance in Angus feedlot cattle. Journal of Animal Science, 102 skae113. doi: 10.1093/jas/skae113
2024
Journal Article
Development of a lateral flow assay for rapid and accurate detection of chicken anemia virus
Angsujinda, Kitipong, Peala, Wisuttiya, Sittidech, Akekarach, Wanganurakkul, Saruda, Mahony, Timothy J., Wang, Sheng-Fan, Smith, Duncan R., Chintapitaksakul, Lerdchai, Khongchareonporn, Nanthika and Assavalapsakul, Wanchai (2024). Development of a lateral flow assay for rapid and accurate detection of chicken anemia virus. Poultry Science, 103 (3) 103432. doi: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103432
2024
Journal Article
Finding biomarkers of experience in animals
Babington, Sarah, Tilbrook, Alan J., Maloney, Shane K., Fernandes, Jill N., Crowley, Tamsyn M., Ding, Luoyang, Fox, Archa H., Zhang, Song, Kho, Elise A., Cozzolino, Daniel, Mahony, Timothy J. and Blache, Dominique (2024). Finding biomarkers of experience in animals. Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology, 15 (1) 28, 1-20. doi: 10.1186/s40104-023-00989-z
2024
Journal Article
Can the Revolution in mRNA-Based Vaccine Technologies Solve the Intractable Health Issues of Current Ruminant Production Systems?
Mahony, Timothy J., Briody, Tatiana E. and Ommeh, Sheila C. (2024). Can the Revolution in mRNA-Based Vaccine Technologies Solve the Intractable Health Issues of Current Ruminant Production Systems?. Vaccines, 12 (2) 152, 152. doi: 10.3390/vaccines12020152
2024
Journal Article
Does the immune stimulant Amplimune® modulate humoral and cytokine responses to commercial bovine respiratory disease vaccines in cattle?
Alexander, A. L., Doyle, E. K., Ingham, A. B., Colditz, I. G., Andronicos, N. M., Hine, B. C. and Mahony, T. J. (2024). Does the immune stimulant Amplimune® modulate humoral and cytokine responses to commercial bovine respiratory disease vaccines in cattle?. Animal Production Science, 64 (4) AN23235. doi: 10.1071/an23235
2023
Journal Article
Skim-Nanopore sequencing for routine genomic evaluation and bacterial pathogen detection in cattle
Lamb, H. J., Nguyen, L. T., Briody, T. E., Ambrose, R. K., Hayes, B. J., Mahony, T. J. and Ross, E. M. (2023). Skim-Nanopore sequencing for routine genomic evaluation and bacterial pathogen detection in cattle. Animal Production Science, 63 (11), 1074-1085. doi: 10.1071/an22451
2023
Journal Article
Statement in Support of: “Virology under the Microscope—a Call for Rational Discourse”
Speck, Peter, Mackenzie, Jason, Bull, Rowena A., Slobedman, Barry, Drummer, Heidi, Fraser, Johanna, Herrero, Lara, Helbig, Karla, Londrigan, Sarah, Moseley, Gregory, Prow, Natalie, Hansman, Grant, Edwards, Robert, Ahlenstiel, Chantelle, Abendroth, Allison, Tscharke, David, Hobson-Peters, Jody, Kriiger-Loterio, Robson, Parry, Rhys, Marsh, Glenn, Harding, Emma, Jacques, David A., Gartner, Matthew J., Lee, Wen Shi, McAuley, Julie, Vaz, Paola, Sainsbury, Frank, Tate, Michelle D., Sinclair, Jane ... Young, Paul (2023). Statement in Support of: “Virology under the Microscope—a Call for Rational Discourse”. Journal of Virology, 97 (5), e0045123. doi: 10.1128/jvi.00451-23
2023
Journal Article
Statement in Support of: “Virology under the Microscope—a Call for Rational Discourse”
Speck, Peter, Mackenzie, Jason, Bull, Rowena A., Slobedman, Barry, Drummer, Heidi, Fraser, Johanna, Herrero, Lara, Helbig, Karla, Londrigan, Sarah, Moseley, Gregory, Prow, Natalie, Hansman, Grant, Edwards, Robert, Ahlenstiel, Chantelle, Abendroth, Allison, Tscharke, David, Hobson-Peters, Jody, Kriiger-Loterio, Robson, Parry, Rhys, Marsh, Glenn, Harding, Emma, Jacques, David A., Gartner, Matthew J., Lee, Wen Shi, McAuley, Julie, Vaz, Paola, Sainsbury, Frank, Tate, Michelle D., Sinclair, Jane ... Young, Paul (2023). Statement in Support of: “Virology under the Microscope—a Call for Rational Discourse”. mSphere, 8 (3), e0016523. doi: 10.1128/msphere.00165-23
2023
Journal Article
Statement in Support of: “Virology under the Microscope—a Call for Rational Discourse”
Speck, Peter, Mackenzie, Jason, Bull, Rowena A., Slobedman, Barry, Drummer, Heidi, Fraser, Johanna, Herrero, Lara, Helbig, Karla, Londrigan, Sarah, Moseley, Gregory, Prow, Natalie, Hansman, Grant, Edwards, Robert, Ahlenstiel, Chantelle, Abendroth, Allison, Tscharke, David, Hobson-Peters, Jody, Kriiger-Loterio, Robson, Parry, Rhys, Marsh, Glenn, Harding, Emma, Jacques, David A., Gartner, Matthew J., Lee, Wen Shi, McAuley, Julie, Vaz, Paola, Sainsbury, Frank, Tate, Michelle D., Sinclair, Jane ... Young, Paul (2023). Statement in Support of: “Virology under the Microscope—a Call for Rational Discourse”. mBio, 14 (3), e0081523. doi: 10.1128/mbio.00815-23
2023
Journal Article
Characterisation of the upper respiratory tract virome of feedlot cattle and its association with bovine respiratory disease
Ambrose, Rebecca K., Blakebrough-Hall, Claudia, Gravel, Jennifer L., Gonzalez, Luciano A. and Mahony, Timothy J. (2023). Characterisation of the upper respiratory tract virome of feedlot cattle and its association with bovine respiratory disease. Viruses, 15 (2) 455. doi: 10.3390/v15020455
2023
Journal Article
Statement in Support of: “Virology under the Microscope-a Call for Rational Discourse”
Speck, Peter, Mackenzie, Jason, Bull, Rowena A., Slobedman, Barry, Drummer, Heidi, Fraser, Johanna, Herrero, Lara, Helbig, Karla, Londrigan, Sarah, Moseley, Gregory, Prow, Natalie, Hansman, Grant, Edwards, Robert, Ahlenstiel, Chantelle, Abendroth, Allison, Tscharke, David, Hobson-Peters, Jody, Kriiger-Loterio, Robson, Parry, Rhys, Marsh, Glenn, Harding, Emma, Jacques, David A., Gartner, Matthew J., Lee, Wen Shi, McAuley, Julie, Vaz, Paola, Sainsbury, Frank, Tate, Michelle D., Sinclair, Jane ... Young, Paul (2023). Statement in Support of: “Virology under the Microscope-a Call for Rational Discourse”. Journal of Virology, 97 (5). doi: 10.1128/jvi.00451-23
2022
Journal Article
RNAi-Based Biocontrol of Pests to Improve the Productivity and Welfare of Livestock Production
Menezes, Pia S., Yan, Yakun, Yang, Yunjia, Mitter, Neena, Mahony, Timothy J. and Mody, Karishma T. (2022). RNAi-Based Biocontrol of Pests to Improve the Productivity and Welfare of Livestock Production. Applied Biosciences, 1 (3), 229-243. doi: 10.3390/applbiosci1030015
2022
Journal Article
Bayesian latent class analysis to estimate the optimal cut-off for the MilA ELISA for the detection of Mycoplasma bovis antibodies in sera, accounting for repeated measures
Salgadu, Ayesha, Cheung, Allison, Schibrowski, Meghan L., Wawegama, Nadeeka K., Mahony, Timothy J., Stevenson, Mark A., Browning, Glenn F., Barnes, Tamsin S. and Firestone, Simon M. (2022). Bayesian latent class analysis to estimate the optimal cut-off for the MilA ELISA for the detection of Mycoplasma bovis antibodies in sera, accounting for repeated measures. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 205 105694, 1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2022.105694
2022
Journal Article
Factors associated with bovine respiratory disease case fatality in feedlot cattle
Blakebrough-Hall, Claudia, Hick, Paul, Mahony, T. J. and González, Luciano A. (2022). Factors associated with bovine respiratory disease case fatality in feedlot cattle. Journal of Animal Science, 100 (1) skab361. doi: 10.1093/jas/skab361
2021
Journal Article
Investigation of Campylobacter colonization in three Australian commercial free-range broiler farms
Pumtang-On, Pongthorn, Mahony, Timothy J., Hill, Rodney A., Pavic, Anthony and Vanniasinkam, Thiru (2021). Investigation of Campylobacter colonization in three Australian commercial free-range broiler farms. Poultry Science, 100 (3) 100891, 1-12. doi: 10.1016/j.psj.2020.12.004
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Timothy Mahony is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Available projects
-
The development of strand-specific sequencing methodologies double-stranded DNA viral genomes
The herpesviruses are a large family of viruses that infected a broad range of hosts, such as mammals, reptiles, and molluscs. These viruses have a large double stranded DNA (dsDNA) genome. While the herpesviruses are considered to be genetically stable, variants with increased capacity to cause disease have emerged. The molecular basis underpinning the emergence of these virulent subtypes/genotypes for several herpesviruses of importance to veterinary medicine remains poorly understood. This project will utilise Oxford Nanopore sequencing technology to develop strategies to enable the strand-specific sequencing of herpesvirus genomes. The availability of strand-specific sequence data will be used to determine if the emergence of new genotypes of herpesviruses is a result of spontaneous mutation or the selection of existing genetic diversity within a viral isolate. This new knowledge will improve our understanding of this important virus family.
-
The application of gene editing to improve animal resistance to infections
Gene editing technologies have enabled the rapid and specific modification of the genomes of complex organisms. Projects are available that will focus on the application of gene editing to increase the resilience of livestock cells to pathogens which reduce productivity. These projects will enable the candidate to gain experience in mammalian cell culture, transfection, growth and titration of viruses, molecular cloning, Western blotting, quantitative real-time PCR, genomic analyses, and fluorescence microscopy. These studies will improve our understanding of host/pathogen interactions towards the development of more resilient livestock.
-
The application of synthetic biology to large DNA viral genomes
The capacity to manipulate the genomes of viruses in the laboratory remains dependent on their in vitro replication efficiency. This limitation has hindered our attempts better understand many of these viruses. This project will address this issue by applying long range PCR and DNA fragment assembly to construction copies of selected herpesviral genomes. The capacity of these genomes to facilitate rescue of infectious virus will also be determined. The availability of these infectious genome copies will aide in the development of improved diagnostics and control methods for these currently difficult to work with viruses.
-
Characterisation of bovine herpesvirus 2 genome
Bovine herpesvirus 2 (BoHV-2) is associated with mastitis in cattle. Of all of the herpesviruses which infect cattle, BoHV-2 is by far the most poorly characterised. This project will address this knowledge gap by using next generation sequencing and conventional PCR and sequencing technologies to completely sequence the BoHV-2 genome. The results of this project will enable the genome-wide comparisons of the BoHV-2 genome to other bovine and mammalian herpesviruses. These comparisons will improve our understanding of host/virus interactions at the molecular level for important viral properties such as tissue tropism and virulence.
-
Construction of bovine herpesvirus 5 infectious clone
Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-5) is a neurotrophic which is associated with severe and fatal disease in young cattle. Unlike bovine herpesvirus 1, BoHV-5 occurs sporadically in the world’s cattle population, except in South America. In this project, you will utilise genome edit tools, such as CRISPR/Cas9, to manipulate the BoHV-5 genome to construct an infectious clone of the virus. The results of this project will provide a better understanding of gene function in BoHV-5, particularly in respect to virulence. This information will improve our understand of how BoHV-5 interacts with its host at the molecular level and lead to the development of improved control strategies.
Supervision history
Current supervision
-
Doctor Philosophy
The application of genome editing to improve the disease resilience of livestock species
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Karishma Mody
-
Doctor Philosophy
Development of a viral vector vaccine for Australian flying foxes
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Lee McMichael
-
Doctor Philosophy
Modelling superior phenotypes through the identification and exploitation of genomic safe harbours in cattle.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Karl Robinson
-
Doctor Philosophy
Characterisation of a novel flying fox retrovirus
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Joanne Meers, Dr Lee McMichael
-
Doctor Philosophy
Sustainable Control of the Australian Blowfly Using Topical RNA Interference
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Neena Mitter, Dr Karishma Mody
-
Doctor Philosophy
Innovative RNAi for ectoparasites of livestock
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Neena Mitter, Dr Karl Robinson, Dr Karishma Mody
-
Doctor Philosophy
Sustainable Control of the Australian Blowfly Using Topical RNA Interference
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Neena Mitter, Dr Karishma Mody
Completed supervision
-
2024
Master Philosophy
The Development of a Novel Approach for the Differentiation of Bovine herpesvirus 1 field and vaccine strains
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Karl Robinson
-
2021
Doctor Philosophy
Identification of Molecular Factors Influencing Bovine alphaherpesvirus type 1 Replication Capacity and Virulence
Principal Advisor
-
2020
Doctor Philosophy
Immunological Difference In Bovine Respiratory Disease Susceptibility
Principal Advisor
-
2014
Doctor Philosophy
Investigating Genetic Components of Meleagrid herpesvirus 1 for Viral Vector Applications for the Poultry Industry
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Joanne Meers
-
2009
Doctor Philosophy
The development of a novel methodology for the delivery of DNA vaccines using the herpesvirus protein VP22
Principal Advisor
-
2018
Doctor Philosophy
Application of clay nanoparticles as efficient adjuvant in vaccine against pathogenic diarrheagenic E. Coli
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Barbara Rolfe
-
2015
Doctor Philosophy
Epidemiology of bovine respiratory disease in Australian feedlot cattle
Associate Advisor
-
2015
Doctor Philosophy
Development of Nanoparticle based Vaccine Delivery Systems
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Neena Mitter, Professor Michael Yu
-
2015
Doctor Philosophy
Mycoplasma bovis in Australian feeder cattle
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Justine Gibson
-
2011
Master Philosophy
Molecular Characterisation and Expression of the H5 and N1 Genes of an Indonesian Avian Influenza Virus Isolate
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Joanne Meers
-
2009
Doctor Philosophy
The essential and nonessential genes of Bovine herpesvirus-1
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Joanne Meers
Media
Enquiries
Contact Professor Timothy Mahony directly for media enquiries about:
- Animal vaccines
- Animals - viral diseases
- Vaccines - animals
- Viral diseases - animals
Need help?
For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team: