Summary
Non Technical Summary
The proposed multi-state initiative will focus on two of the most important mycobacterial diseases of animals;paratuberculosis (Johne's disease; JD)and thebovine tuberculosis complex (TB). These two mycobacterial diseases represent some of the most prevalent and economically significant infections of livestock, and each has a long and rich history. The generation of new knowledge relative to the diagnosis, management, and control of mycobacterial diseases of animals is critical if we are to prevent the spread, lower the prevalence and minimize the impact of the diseases in our livestock populations. USDA NAHMS studies and other work, including the National Dairy Producer Johne's survey, have shown that while producers are increasingly aware of the diseases, they often lack knowledge relative to their management and control. Therefore, there is a critical need for developing coordinated approaches for education and outreach programs related to mycobacterial diseases of animals.Taken together, the proposed multi-state initiativewill facilitate the development of shared research as well as the leveraging of intellectual and physical resources to address some of the most important mycobacterial diseases of animals.
Objectives & Deliverables
Goals / Objectives
Objective 1 will focus on understanding the epidemiology and transmission of JD and TB in animals through the application of predictive modeling and assessment of recommended control practices. To accomplish our overall objective of developing a better understanding of the epidemiology and transmission of JD and TB.
Objective 2 will seek to develop and implement new generations of diagnostic tests for JD and TB. Improved methods for the rapid, specific, sensitive, and cost-efficient diagnosis of JD or TB-infected remain a major priority. Objective 3 will focus on improving our understanding of biology and pathogenesis of Mycobacterial diseases, as well as the host response to infection It is well recognized that the ability to identify the route of invasion and the host-pathogen interactions at a molecular level is important for the future development of strategies to prevent infections or to limit the spread of the infection. Similarly, the elucidation of gene products specific to in vivo growth holds great promise in identifying new antigens for diagnostics or vaccine development, as well as products essential to pathogenesis.
Hence, as part of the proposed multi-state initiative, we envision studies of the basic biology of the causative organisms of JD and TB and their interaction with the host. Specifically, we anticipate studies that will employ state-of-the-art microbiological, molecular biology, genomic, proteomic, metabolomic, immunology, and or bioinformatic approaches. Objective 4 will focus on development of programs to create and evaluate and develop new generations of vaccines for JD and TB. Under the auspices of this multi-state initiative, we propose specific research projects to help achieve each of the 4 objectives and include a strong education and extension plan. We envision many of the projects to be crosscutting in nature (i.e. cut across objectives and/or address both diseases) that will together help address the major animal, human, and societal issues surrounding detection and control of mycobacterial diseases in animals. It is important to note that our research objectives are closely linked and coordinated with our education, extension and outreach plan.
Challenges
Project Methods
Objective 1will focus onunderstanding the epidemiology and transmission of Mycobacterial diseases in animals.To accomplish our overall objective of developing a better understanding of the epidemiology and transmission of JD and TBObjective 2will seek todevelop and implement new generations of diagnostic tests for JD and TB. Improved methods for the rapid, specific, sensitive, and cost-efficient diagnosis of JD or TB infected remain a major priority. Hence, as part of this multi-state initiative.Objective 3will focuson improving our understanding of biology and pathogenesis of Mycobacterial diseases of animals, as well as the host response to infection.Objective 4will focus on theevaluation and development of new generations of vaccines for JD and TB.
Principle Investigator(s)
Planned Completion date: 30/09/2022
Effort: (N/A)
Project Status
COMPLETE
Principal Investigator(s)
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Researcher Organisations
Recipient Organization PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY 208 MUELLER LABORATORY UNIVERSITY PARK,PA 16802
United Kingdom