Our method has enabled the identification of core genes involved in the general host response to influenza infection in chicken e.g., SELENOK, NDUFA1, PPP1R7, SMDT1, COX7C, PRELID3B, CIB1, OST4 and NDUFB2 amongst up-regulated data and PUS10, ERBIN, SYDE2, PCGF6, FZD6, ROR1, LRIG2, SUPT7L, EXOC8, KIF1C and PCM1 from down-regulated data. Here, NDUFB2 is linked to influenza.