Pasteurella haemolytica Lipopolysaccharide-Leukotoxin Complex
A protein exotoxin termed leukotoxin (LKT) and a complex lipid carbohydrate
endotoxin termed lipopolysaccharide (LPS) produced by Pasteurella haemolytica
are the most important virulence factors in the causation of shipping fever
in cattle. LKT and LPS are chemically distinct toxins. Likewise, the biological
activities of these toxins can also be distinguished. At high doses, LKT is
cytolytic for bovine leukocytes, but not for other cell types, whereas LPS is
cytotoxic for bovine endothelial cells, but not for other cell types. However,
at sub-lytic doses, both LKT and LPS can induce similar effects in target cells
including production of cytokines, prostanoids, superoxides, and nitric oxide.
Although LKT and LPS have separate toxic activities, evidence of cooperative
toxic effects have been recognized. It was recently determined that LPS is complexed
with LKT.
LPS aggregates in serum naturally complex with a specific LPS binding protein
(LBP), which catalyzes the transfer of LPS monomers to CD14 receptors on leukocytes.
LPS bound to CD14 subsequently elicits LPS intoxication events in target cells.
It is the overall goal of the proposed research to determine whether LKT acts
analogous to LBP to catalyze the transfer of aggregated LPS to an LPS receptor
on target cells. The hypothesis for this proposal is that LKT catalyzes the
transfer of aggregated LPS to a specific receptor on target cells which mediates
the LPS intoxication. The specific objectives are (1) to demonstrate and characterize
LKT catalyzed transfer of aggregated LPS to target cell membranes and (2) to
identify the cell membrane receptor for LPS arising from the LPS-LKT complex.
Sponsor: United States Department of Agriculture, National Research Initiatives
Competitive Grants Program
PI: Kenneth Clinkenbeard
Role of Pasteurella haemolytica Leukotoxin in Shipping Fever Pneumonia
Pasteurella haemolytica produces an exotoxin termed leukotoxin (LKT), which
has been implicated by mutagenesis studies as an important virulence factor
in shipping fever pneumonia in cattle. LKT specifically intoxicates ruminant
leukocytes and platelets, but LKT has limited or no effect on leukocytes from
other species. Bovine CD18 acts as the species-specific and leukocyte-specific
receptor for M. haemolytica LKT. To further understand the mechanism by which
LKT intoxicates ruminant leukocytes, we developed an immunogold labeling technique
to localize CD18 on bovine lymphoma cells (BL3). Mouse mAb specific for bovine
CD18 and gold conjugated goat anti-mouse IgG (30nm particle size) were used
to label CD18 on BL3 cells. Gold particles were detected using both scanning
and transmission electron microscopy. Flow cytometry was used to further confirm
and quantify CD18 on BL3 cells under various conditions of LKT intoxication.
Prior to exposure to LKT, CD18 on BL3 cells is dispersed on these cells, but
following exposure, CD18 is aggregated to small patches on the BL3 membranes.
This aggregation, or capping, of CD18 may be important in LKT action against
leukocytes.
LKT also effects bovine platelets, although these cells do not express CD18.
Ligand blotting of bovine platelets with LKT detected a "CD18-like"
protein on bovine platelets. This "CD18-like" protein was recognized
by anti-CD18 monoclonal antibodies in platelet membranes subjected to SDS-PAGE
and western blotting, but not by the same monoclonal antibodies on intact platelets
using flow cytometry. This CD18-like protein appears to be the species-specific
and platelet-specific receptor on bovine platelets. The exact identity of this
protein is being sought.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PI: Kenneth Clinkenbeard
Bovine Respiratory Disease: Risk Factors, Pathogens, Diagnosis, and Management
The project determines changing patterns, geographical differences, risk factors,
and management practices related to bovine respiratory disease. The influence
of various bacteria and viruses is studied. In addition, the pharmacokinetics
and efficacy of newer therapies and new-generation vaccines are evaluated. The
host-pathogen relationship is characterized at the molecular level.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PIs: Anthony W. Confer, R. W. Fulton, R. J. Panciera, Kenneth Clinkenbeard,
R. J. Morton
Outer Membrane Proteins of Bovine Pasteurella multocida Serogroup A Isolates
The outer membrane proteins of various P. multocida isolates from cattle with
and without respiratory disease are being studied with respect to potential
for development as a vaccine. A rabbit model of bovine pneumonic pasteurellosis
is being used to study intranasal vaccination and mucosal immunity comparing
outer membrane preparations with or without iron-regulated outer membrane proteins.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PIs: Anthony W. Confer, S. M. Dabo
Bovine Respiratory Disease: Field Studies of Immunity and Impact of Treatment
Studies are being conducted at the Willard Sparks Beef Research Center to determine
endogenous factors such as persistent infection with Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus,
bronchoalveolar lymphocyte subsets, bronchoalveolar cytokine production, and
serum responses of acute-phase proteins that influence whether cattle (1) resist
developing bovine respiratory disease (BRD) after stress, (2) develop BRD and
to what extent after stress, and (3) respond to treatment for BRD. In addition,
with P. haemolytica isolates obtained from cattle that have been treated for
BRD, antibiotic susceptibility profiles of these strains will be done to determine
which strains developed resistance to multiple antibiotics.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PIs: Anthony W. Confer, D. R. Gill, R. J. Panciera, Jerry W. Ritchey,
Robert W. Fulton, T. W. Lehenbauer
Veterinary Clinical Sciences: Robert A. Smith
Canine Herpesvirus-1 Infection and Reproductive Disorders
This study will determine how Canine herpesvirus (CHV) is reactivated from its
latent sites during pregnancy, how it is transported in the blood, how it crosses
the placenta to infect the developing fetuses, and the prevalence of the infection
in the general dog population versus breeding kennels.
Sponsor: Lawton-Ft. Sill
PIs: Jean M. d’Offay, Robert W. Fulton
Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory: Jeremiah T. Saliki
Pathogenesis and Diagnosis of Bovine Herpesviral Infections
Two types of bovine herpesviruses (BHV) are recognized: a respiratory (BHV-1)
type and an encephalitic (BHV-5) type. We have developed two diagnostic procedures
- an immuno-histochemical and a PCR procedure - to detect BHV-5 antigen in paraffin-embedded
formalin-fixed bovine brain tissues. The tests will be used on submitted cases
of bovine encephalitis.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PIs: Jean M. d’Offay
Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory: R.W. Ely
Development of a Virus Signature Amplification (ViSA) Card to Diagnose Respiratory
Virus Infection in Cattle
This research will attempt to develop a method for the simultaneous assay of
all viruses potentially involved in bovine respiratory disease by using a PCR
procedure in which the primers are covalently bound to a solid support instead
of being in solution as in the typical PCR procedure.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PIs: Jean M. d’Offay
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: Ulrich Melcher
Development of Rapid Diagnostic Tests for Monkey B Virus
This research program will develop rapid diagnostic tests capable of detecting
B virus infections against a background of pre-existing HSV infection. Virus-specific
antigens will be identified, cloned, sequenced, and expressed in vitro for development
of B virus-specific serological immunoassays.
Sponsors: National Center for Research Resources, National Institutes
of Health
PIs: Richard Eberle, Darla H. Black
Baboon Research Resource Program
This project will study ways of enhancing the well being of baboons in both
breeding and research settings, develop a number of reagents for quantitation
of various components of the immune system of baboons, and assess viral pathogens
indigenous in baboons and the biology of these infectious agents.
Sponsor: National Center for Research Resources, National Institutes
of Health
PIs: Richard Eberle
Oklahoma University Health Science Center: R. Kennedy, G. White, J. Wallis
Public Health Aspects of Ehrlichiosis
In cooperation with the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, studies are
conducted on the zoonotic potential of various Ehrlichia species and on ticks
as vectors of zoonotic agents.
Sponsor: Krull Endowed Professorship in Veterinary Parasitology
PI: S. A. Ewing
Canine Hepatozoonosis
Cooperative study on the role of Amblyomma maculatum in the spread of Hepatozoon
americanum to dogs from other as-yet-unknown vertebrate hosts.
Sponsor: Krull Endowed Professorship in Veterinary Parasitology
PIs: S. A. Ewing, Roger J. Panciera
Historical Aspects of Veterinary Parasitology
Study of the development of veterinary parasitology from the classical discipline
of parasitology in North America, especially the role of Wendell H. Krull, founding
head of the veterinary parasitology discipline at Oklahoma State University.
Sponsor: Krull Endowed Professorship in Veterinary Parasitology
PI: S. A. Ewing
Antibody Response in Cattle Administered Bovine Viral Vaccine
Cattle will be vaccinated with vaccines containing bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1),
bovine viral diarrhea virus, parainfluenza-3 virus, and bovine respiratory syncytial
virus immunogens. The vaccines will compare the onset and duration of antibodies
after initial vaccination and revaccination between groups receiving modified
live or inactivated vaccine.
Sponsor: Sanofi Animal Health, Inc.
PI: Robert W. Fulton
Bovine Viral Diarrhea Disease Virus (BVDV) Vaccines: Antibody Response to Heterologous
BVDV Strains
The study will determine the range of heterologous immunity in calves receiving
modified live virus (MLV) or killed BVDV vaccines. Currently there are two recognized
antigenic types of BVDV, Type 1 and 2. The study will determine if these vaccines
induce antibodies to various Type 1 and 2 viruses.
Sponsors: Grand Laboratories, Inc., Pfizer Animal Health.
PIs: Robert W. Fulton, Anthony W. Confer
Emerging Bovine Viral Diarrhea Disease: Persistent Infections and Control
Program
Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) causes frequent infections/diseases in cattle
including digestive, respiratory tract, and fetal infections. This study will
test Oklahoma herds for BVDV infected animals. Also, Oklahoma isolates of BVDV
will be classified as Type 1 or 2 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PIs: Robert W. Fulton, Jean M. d'Offay
Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory: Jeremiah T. Saliki
Antibiotic Administration and Vaccination with Live Bacterial Vaccine in
Calves
This study will determine if an antibiotic given calves that have been administered
avirulent Pasteurella haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida vaccine will decrease
the immune responses to the immunogens. Calves will receive Micotil“ antibiotic
and Once PMH‘ Pasteurella haemolytica and P. multocida vaccine. The calves’
sera will be tested for P. haemolytica and P.multocida antibodies.
Sponsor: ELANCO Animal Health, Division of Eli Lilly and Company
PIs: Robert W. Fulton, Anthony W. Confer
Shipping Fever: New Approaches to Understanding Prevention and Management
The objective is to determine infectious agents and host responses that cause
respiratory disease and/or defend cattle from disease. Naturally occurring cattle
diseases at Noble Foundation, USDA, and OSU herds will be investigated. Emphasis
will be given BVDV and pasteurellosis. Vaccination programs will be developed
and evaluated.
Sponsor: The Noble Foundation, Ardmore, OK
PIs: Anthony W. Confer , Robert W. Fulton, Jerry W. Ritchey
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences: John G. Kirkpatrick, Robert A. Smith
Molecular Diversity of Bovine Viral Diarrhea
Viruses from Oklahoma Cattle
Bovine viral diarrhea viruses (BVDV) occur as biotypes, cytopathic (CP) and
noncytopathic (NCP), and as genotypes, 1 and 2. Certain BVDV disease forms occur
with different biotypes/genotypes. The molecular differences among biotypes/genotypes
will be investigated by PCR and nucleic acid sequencing. Virulence markers of
BVDV will be investigated.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PIs: Robert W. Fulton, Jean M. d’Offay, Anthony W. Confer, Jerry
W. Ritchey
Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory: Jeremiah T. Saliki
Reduced Disease Transmission by Tick Control on Rodents
This study investigates the feasibility of reducing tick-transmitted diseases
by developing a safe but effective medicated food/bait for wild mammals that
will inhibit immature tick development, thus reducing the potential number of
tick disease vectors.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology
PIs: A. Alan Kocan
Department of Entomology: Robert Barker
Gulf Coast Ticks: Host Preference and Vector Potential for Ehrlichia chaffeensis
This project investigates the seasonal activity patterns of the Gulf Coast ticks
on both domestic and wild animal species. Additionally, its potential as a vector
for Ehrlichia chaffeensis and/or other tick-borne pathogens will be investigated.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experimental Station
PIs: A. Alan Kocan, S. A. Ewing
Department of Entomology: Robert Barker
Department of Animal Science: R. Wettemann
Identification and Characterization of a Novel Pathogenic Erythroparasite
Resembling Babesia spp from Dogs in Oklahoma
A potentially novel Babesia spp parasite was isolated from a dog in Oklahoma.
This study investigates the clinical course of experimental infections in dogs
and investigates the morphologic and genetic characteristics of the organism.
Sponsor: College of Veterinary Medicine
PIs: A. Alan Kocan, Jim Meinkoth
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences: Michael Lorenz
Characterization of Cats Surviving Cytauxzoon felis Infections
This study investigates the clinical and biological aspects of cats that have
survived naturally occurring infections with Cytauxzoon felis. Studies will
focus on genetic characterization of the non-fatal isolate and attempted tick-transmission
trials.
Sponsor: College of Veterinary Medicine
PIs: A. Alan Kocan, Jim Meinkoth
Characterization of Anaplasma marginale from Cell Culture and Ticks
The antigenic composition of the Virginia isolate of Anaplasma marginale grown
in tick cell culture was characterized. The major surface antigens 1 through
5, initially characterized on the erythrocytic stage, were also found on A.
marginale from cell culture. A second A. marginale isolate from Oklahoma was
propagated in cell culture. The cell culture-derived A. marginale shows promise
for use in development of a new vaccine for anaplasmosis.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PIs: Katherine M. Kocan, Edmour F. Blouin, Jose de la Fuente
Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory: Jeremiah T. Saliki
Antigenic Conservation of Anaplasma marginale from Cell Culture
The antigenic composition of the Virginia isolate of Anaplasma marginale from
cell culture was studied and compared with A. marginale from bovine erythrocytes
and tick salivary glands. A. marginale propagated in cell culture retained its
isolate identity as determined by the size. The major surface protein 1a and
the antigenic composition did not change during passage in cell culture or ticks.
The cell culture derived A. marginale should be useful as an antigen in an improved
vaccine for anaplasmosis.
Sponsor: United States Department of Agriculture-NRI
PIs: Katherine M. Kocan, Edmour F. Blouin
University of Florida: Anthony F. Barbet
A Cell Culture-derived Vaccine for Anaplasmosis
Anaplasma marginale harvested from tick cell culture will be tested as an antigen
for a new and improved vaccine for bovine anaplasmosis. This antigen should
result in the development of a vaccine that is safe, easily standardized, and
free of contaminating bovine cells and pathogens. A vaccine dose will be formulated
and tested in cattle for vaccine efficacy.
Sponsor: Grand Laboratories
PIs: Katherine M. Kocan, Edmour F. Blouin, Jose de la Fuente
Grand Laboratories: Thomas Halbur
Economic Impacts of Banning Subtherapeutic Use of Antibiotics in Swine Production
The objective of this research project was to develop economic estimates of
the impact of banning subtherapeutic antibiotics in swine production. These
estimates of economic costs were developed at three levels: (a) per animal,
(b) aggregated U.S. pork industry, and (c) U.S. consumer. Results of this research
indicated that banning subtherapeutic antibiotics for swine would cost an estimated
$280 million annually with swine producers and consumers sharing this cost nearly
equally in the short run. In the long run, consumers would bear most of the
cost. If a ban affected poultry as well, losses would expand to $673 million.
Sponsor: National Pork Producers Council
PIs: Terry W. Lehenbauer
Department of Agricultural Economics: Wade Brorsen
Isolation and Transmission of Organisms from Cats Surviving Suspected Cytauxzoon
felis Infection
Cytauxzoon felis is a parasitic infection of cats, which is usually fatal. This
study has isolated an apparently less virulent form of the organism which produces
minimal clinical disease. Infection with this organism may protect cats against
more lethal strains and be useful in attempts at vaccination.
Sponsor: Research Advisory Council, College of Veterinary Medicine.
PIs: James Meinkoth, Jerry W. Ritchey, A. Alan Kocan
Studies of Canine Hepatozoonosis
Canine hepatozoonosis, a serious, often fatal disease of dogs caused by the
protozoan parasite/Hepatozoon americanum, was recently recognized to occur with
relative frequency in Oklahoma. Our studies have identified the vector tick,
many aspects of the reproductive cycle of the parasite in the domestic dog and
in the vector tick, and established phylogenetic relationships of H. americanum
to certain other protozoans. Ongoing research addresses studies of the pathogenesis
of skeletal lesions of the disease, electron microscopic study of forms of the
parasite in the dog and in the tick, and development of a serologic test to
be used for diagnosis and for epidemiological investigations designed to identify
potential reservoirs available to infect the vector tick.
Sponsor: College of Veterinary Medicine
PIs: Roger J. Panciera, Connie Cummings, Katherine M. Kocan, S.A. Ewing,
J.S. Mathew, A. Alan Kocan, J.C. Fox
Physiological Sciences: J. R. Malayer
Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory: Jeremiah T. Saliki
Veterinary Clinical Sciences: W.T. Drost, E. Davidson
Microbicidal Defects of Alveolar Macrophages in FIV-Infected Cats
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is an animal model used to study the pathogenesis
of HIV infection in humans. The goal of this project is to characterize defects
in the immune function of alveolar macrophages from FIV-infected cats. Specific
macrophage immune functions targeted in this proposal include in vitro and in
vivo cytokine gene expression, cytokine and nitric oxide secretion, and phagocytosis
and killing.
Sponsor: National Institutes of Health (NIAID)
PI: Jerry W. Ritchey
Characterization of the Alveolar Macrophage Cytokine Responses to Pasteurella
haemolytica
Pasteurella haemolytica is the etiological agent for an economically important
pneumonic disease of cattle. The primary goal of this project is to construct
a competitive fragment that will allow quantitation of bovine cytokine gene
expression by RT-PCR. To understand the role that cytokines play in the pathogenesis
of P. haemolytica pneumonia, the competitive fragment will be used to characterize
cytokine responses from cattle challenged with P. haemolytica.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PIs: Jerry W. Ritchey, Anthony W. Confer
Identification of the Host Cellular Receptor Required for Entry by Porcine
Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection is responsible
for significant economic losses in the swine production industry. The goal of
this project is to identify the host cell receptor that PRRSV uses to initiate
infection. Knowledge of this virus:host cell interaction will aid in the understanding
of the pathogenesis of this disease and serve as a precursor to further research
in vaccines, prevention, and treatment.
Sponsor: College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University
PI: Jerry W. Ritchey
Functional Genomic/Proteomic Analysis of Campylobacter spp.
Campylobacter infection, generally food-borne, is a significant global public
health problem, representing the leading cause of enteritis in humans. As with
most foodborne diseases, the molecular basis for the mechanisms of Campylobacter
infection is poorly understood. As the total genomic sequence of C. jejuni subsp.
jejuni has recently become available, the next major step will be to investigate
the function of the two genes/proteins revealed by the genome project and their
expression under in vivo conditions. A key environmental signal for controlling
bacterial pathogenesis is the availability of iron in the host. This project
proposes to investigate the iron regulon of C. jejuni, using DNA microarrays
and proteome analysis. The data from this study will be used to construct knockout
mutations in selected genes that appear to be environmentally regulated; the
knockout strains will then be tested in a stringent in vivo model of Campylobacter
infection, to assess whether these genes are essential for Campylobacter pathogenesis.
Sponsor: National Institutes of Health
PI: Alain Stintzi
Mechanism of Iron Acquisition by Aeromonas hydrophila
Iron acquisition is an essential factor for bacteria to survive and replicate
in their habitats. This need for iron is, however, complicated by its poor solubility
and thus its extremely low bioavailability. Most bacteria overcome iron limitation
by production of siderophores, which solubilize and deliver iron to microbial
cells via highly specific transport systems. Iron plays a crucial role in the
virulence of most infectious disease pathogens. This study aims to determine
the molecular steps of siderophore mediated iron transport in A. hydrophila.
The research program is based on the newly discovered mechanism of ferric-siderophore
transport involving the exchange of iron between ferric-siderophore and iron-free
siderophore bound to its receptor. This mechanism of microbial iron transport
via a siderophore shuttle mechanism may be the general route by which microorganisms
acquire iron in vivo. Therefore, this project will be significantly relevant
to the research carried in bacterial pathogenesis.
Sponsor: College of Veterinary Medicine
PI: Alain Stintzi
Flow Cytometry System for Enhancement of Bovine Research
This project provides partial funding for the purchase of a user-friendly flow
cytometry system for use in studies, including those on bovine immunity to various
bacterial and sporozoan pathogens as well as the evaluation of estrogen receptor
expression in various reproductive tract tissues. The system purchased is a
Becton-Dickinson FACSCaliber®.
Sponsor: United States Department of Agriculture
PI: John H. Wyckoff III
Enhancement of Feline Immunology Research
This project provides partial funding for the purchase of a user-friendly flow
cytometry system. Investigation of feline lymphocyte populations, which may
fluctuate over time during infections with feline immunodeficiency virus or
during immunotherapeutic regimes in cats with post-vaccinal sarcomas, through
flow cytometry may provide keys to the pathogenesis of these.
Sponsor: Kirkpatrick Foundation
PIs: John H. Wyckoff III, Jerry W. Ritchey
Bovine T Lymphocyte Immunity to Mycobacterium bovis Stress Response Proteins
Synthetic peptides with sequences homologous to Mycobacterium bovis proteins
will be used to develop better test reagents for field and laboratory diagnosis
of bovine tuberculosis. Cattle immunized with M. bovis will be compared for
responsiveness to these antigens and those of M. avium to determine both specific
and cross-reactive responses.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
PIs: John H. Wyckoff III
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: Richard Essenberg
Effector T Lymphocytes Provide Host Defense in Bovine Brucellosis
Heat shock protein-specific T lymphocytes derived from Brucella abortus vaccinated
cattle will be characterized by flow cytometry for surface marker expression
and cytotoxic function against infected monocyte-derived macrophages. Cytokine
production by the T lymphocytes will be analyzed through RT-PCR. These studies
will define a host defense effector mechanism against brucellosis.
Sponsor: United States Department of Agriculture
PIs: John H. Wyckoff III, Anthony W. Confer
Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic
Laboratory
The Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory provides accessible and accountable
diagnostic service for Oklahoma veterinarians and animal owners in all seventy-seven
counties. Early detection of diseases provides the starting point for reducing
their incidence and threat. The Laboratory promotes and protects the health
and economic welfare of Oklahomans, supports the teaching and research missions
of the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine, and conducts self-supported research
aimed at developing more precise test procedures for commonly encountered, as
well as emerging and foreign animal diseases, that may produce catastrophic
losses (e.g., bovine viral diarrhea, malignant catarrhal fever, parvovirus disease,
avian influenza, equine viral arteritis and encephalitis, and toxicoses related
to oilfield wastes and agricultural chemicals). The Laboratory conducts research
and diagnostic tests for mobillivirus infections of marine mammals. The Laboratory
maintains full accreditation by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory
Diagnosticians.
PI: William C. Edwards and staff
Use of Monoclonal Antibodies in Differential Diagnosis of Morbilliviruses
in Marine Mammals
Viruses belonging in the morbillivirus group have recently emerged as significant
causes of disease and mortality in marine mammals. The four marine mammal morbilliviruses
(canine distember virus, phocine distemper virus, dolphin morbillivirus, and
porpoise morbillivirus) are so closely related that they are indistinguishable
by conventional serological techniques. Therefore, the goal of this project
is to produce monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) and use them to develop competitive
ELISAs specific for each of four marine mammal morbillivirus. The use of MAb-based
assays presents two major advantages over existing techniques: (1) the assays
are faster, cheaper, more specific and more sensitive, and (2) a single MAb-based
assay can be used on specimens from any animal species, thus obviating the need
for specific reagents for each species.
Sponsor: Morris Animal Foundation
PIs: Jeremiah T. Saliki, Jean M. d’Offay, Robert W. Fulton, Sandy
Rogers
State of Oklahoma Poultry Research, Service, and Extension
Poultry production is a rapidly growing agricultural enterprise in the State
of Oklahoma. Rapid expansion is taking place in every county along the eastern
Oklahoma border. In an effort to address the needs of this industry, the Oklahoma
State Legislature appropriates funds that flow through the Oklahoma Department
of Agriculture for the support of a Poultry Pathologist, an Area Extension Poultry
Specialist in eastern Oklahoma, and a variety of relevant and competitive research
projects. Research projects funded during the past year were “The Effects
of Dietary Carnitine Supplementation on the Incidence of Sudden Death Syndrome
in Broiler Breeders” and “Determination of the Correlation between
Body Temperature and Metabolism of Day Old Chicks and Subsequent Growth Performance.”
Sponsor: The Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture
PI: Stanley Vanhooser