Disclosed are the H. zea nudivirus sequence and two additional related sequences from H. virescens and H. armigera nudiviruses for development of genetically modified nudiviruses capable of being sexually transmitted by an insect useful for controlling pest populations. Such genetically modified nudiviruses are capable of causing sterility in a target population of insects. Previously disclosed were insects infected with the previously disclosed genetically modified H. zea nudivirus, methods of making genetically modified nudiviruses, and methods of using genetically modified nudiviruses to control an insect pest population.

A vaccine vector comprising an attenuated, recombinant ranavirus that has at least one foreign expression element is disclosed. In other contemplated embodiments, a vaccine vector comprising a virus, wherein the virus is engineered to express at least two vaccine antigens is disclosed. In addition, methods of delivering human antigens to a mammal are disclosed that include: providing a non-mammalian virus, engineering a recombinant virus that can express at least one foreign molecule by modifying the non-mammalian virus, and using the recombinant ranavirus to deliver human antigens to a mammal.

A composition for treating a lysogenic virus, including a vector encoding isolated nucleic acid encoding two or more gene editors chosen from gene editors that target viral DNA, gene editors that target viral RNA, and combinations thereof. A composition for treating a lytic virus, including a vector encoding isolated nucleic acid encoding at least one gene editor that targets viral DNA and a viral RNA targeting composition. A composition for treating both lysogenic and lytic viruses, including a vector encoding isolated nucleic acid encoding two or more gene editors that target viral RNA. A composition for treating lytic viruses. Methods of treating a lysogenic virus or a lytic virus, by administering the above compositions to an individual having a virus and inactivating the virus.