Author: Rachel Wood
Rift Valley fever vaccine found to be safe in pregnant animals
Researchers have shown that a simian adenovirus vectored vaccine, ChAdOx1 RVF, is effective at protecting pregnant sheep and goats from Rift Valley fever (RVF). They report their findings in npj Vaccines. Infection of livestock with Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) results in high mortality and poor outcomes during pregnancy, including stillbirths, fetal malformations and abortions. […]
Study of chicken gut cells may aid vaccine design
The colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) has been shown to be expressed in the follicle-associated epithelium cells in the avian gut-associated lymphoid tissue. This was an unexpected finding as CSF1R is typically expressed in macrophages, not in epithelial cells. The results in studies with chicken cells pave the way for research looking to enhance the […]
Staphylococcal persistence studied in a chronically infected dairy cow
In a study at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, an international team of researchers led by Tom Grunert investigated the adaptation of Staphylococcus aureus within the host animal over the course of three months in a naturally infected dairy cow with chronic, subclinical mastitis. The analysis of the bacterial genomes revealed a complete replacement […]
Structure of the goat leukocyte receptor complex described
Genetic research conducted by scientists at The Pirbright Institute has revealed that goat and sheep genes for specific immune cell receptors are extremely diverse and different compared to other livestock relatives. The findings will help scientists to understand how genetic characteristics can alter an animal’s natural ability to fight infection, and potentially inform the breeding […]
ASFV in feed: study improves half-life estimates
A study by Kansas State University provides more accurate half-life measurements that confirm African swine fever virus (ASFV) can survive a simulated 30-day transoceanic voyage in contaminated plant-based feed and ingredients. Their findings are published in Emerging Infectious Diseases. The research team, headed by Megan Niederwerder, assistant professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology in the […]
African buffalo provide insights into the genetics of tuberculosis resistance
Morris Animal Foundation-funded researchers at Oregon State University discovered areas in the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) genome linked to risk for tuberculosis (TB) infection. The researchers discovered areas of genetic code variation near genes associated with immunity to bacterial infections and demonstrated that these variations correlated with TB resistance. The team published their findings in […]
Study maps antimicrobial resistance in livestock in low- and middle-income countries
An international team of researchers has shown that antimicrobial-resistant infections are rapidly increasing in animals in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The team, led by Thomas Van Boeckel, SNF Assistant Professor of Health Geography and Policy at ETH Zurich, has published a map of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the journal Science. The team of researchers […]
Toxin promotes cattle-to-cattle transmission of E. coli O157
Shiga toxin subtype 2a (Stx2a) may play a key role in promoting the colonization and transmission of Escherichia coli O157 strains in cattle, according to a study published in PLOS Pathogens by Tom McNeilly of the Moredun Research Institute, David Gally of the University of Edinburgh, and colleagues. As these bacteria evolve ways to increase the […]
Badger culling increases ranging behaviour among survivors
A study led by researchers from the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and Imperial College London has found that culling drives badgers to roam further afield. They say this helps to explain why the practice, intended to reduce bovine tuberculosis (TB) transmission, can sometimes exacerbate the problem instead. Published in the Journal of Applied Ecology, […]
Model predicts effectiveness of livestock vaccines
Scientists at The Roslin Institute have developed an epidemiological model to investigate the effectiveness of vaccines for preventing, mitigating or eliminating infectious diseases in livestock. When appropriately applied, even imperfect vaccines can prevent, eliminate or largely reduce the prevalence of viruses, the model shows. The goal of effective vaccination is not only to protect individuals […]