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The objectives for the NE-1028 Multi-state project are as follows: <br/>1. Characterization of host mechanisms associated with mastitis susceptibility and resistance <br/>2. Characterization and manipulation of virulence factors of mastitis pathogens for enhancing host defenses. <br/>3. Assessment and application of new technologies that advance mastitis control, milk quality and dairy food safety The Dairy Food Safety Laboratory will participate in all three objectives in both leadership and collaborative roles. <br/>We look forward to working with all of the principal investigators associated with this multi-state project, as well as training new scientists that can address future challenges in animal health, public health, food safety and food security.
Non-Technical Summary:<br/>
We are going to bundle UV light technologies with conventional pasteurization to better inactivate pathogens of known animal health and public health concern. On-farm, we can use this approach to improve animal health, thus reducing the need for antimicrobial use and we can help improve milk quality and food safety.
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Approach:<br/>
Assessment and application of new technologies that advance mastitis control, milk quality and dairy food safety For 2012 we will focus upon non-thermal sterilization of milk with conventional thermal pasteurization in an effort to provide an added measure of quality to waste milk fed to calves, fluid milks and milk powders. This combination of UV illumination with heat pasteurization will be designed to inactivate spores that cause milk spoilage and food safety concerns as well as the pathogens in waste milk that cause serious problems in calf health. We will also be improving milk quality by better inactivation of mastitis pathogens that cause both animal health and public health concerns. There will be a special effort to inactivate pathogens possessing antibiotic resistance genes that are being fed to neonatal calves. We want to protect our young-stock that will move into the milking herd and reduce the potential food safety hazards associated with antibiotic resistance.