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The objective of this cooperative research project is to detect and characterize enteric livestock pathogens in biological and environmental samples and waters contaminated with animal waste residues.
Approach: There are two main components to this proposal: 1) Assessment of the potential of enterically transmitted viruses as markers of environmental pollution, and 2) Implementation of systems for detection, molecular characterization and surveillance of endemic, emerging or re-emerging viruses and protozoal pathogens, including a search for possible previously un-described natural hosts.<P> In order to achieve the proposed objectives, we intend to:<LI> Collect samples from different geographical areas, from various biological and environmental sources obtained from diverse animal species with the goal of identifying the best environmental indicator of animal waste contamination. <LI> Improve detection methods for enteric viruses in collected samples through molecular and cellular assays. <LI> Develop simplified detection methods for protozoal parasites. <LI> Conduct molecular characterization of the detected pathogens by sequencing of virulence genes. <LI>Carry out selective serological studies in susceptible animal populations and correlate the results with the prevalence of environment pathogens. <LI> Analyze the relationship between environmental contamination with zoonotic pathogens and the proximity of livestock operations in the US and Spain. <LI>Assess possible inter-species transmissibility, including a search for putative newly described natural hosts and characterization of viral adaptative mutations.<LI>Perform molecular epidemiological studies of selected enteric viruses and protozoa of livestock and help to implement control and surveillance programs for the pathogens, especially for those representing a risk of zoonosis.