An official website of the United States government.
Objectives of the project are: 1) Characterization of host mechanisms associated with mastitis susceptibility and resistance; 2)Characterization and manipulation of virulence factors of mastitis pathogens for enhancing host defenses; and 3) Assessment and application of new technologies that advance mastitis control, milk quality, and dairy food safety. Through the concerted and collaborative efforts of its member stations, the NE-1048 will continue to work on collaborative projects in the next 5 years. These collaborative studies include determination of changes in antimicrobial susceptibility of mastitis pathogens, understanding virulence factors and host adaptation of environmental mastitis pathogens, evaluation of the role of vaccination in mastitis prevention, evaluation of genetic selection for milk production on innate immune response, and the standardization of definitions for intramammary infection. <P>Dissemination: Results of experiments and applications of findings will be disseminated during scientific conferences, publication of abstracts, and oral presentations to dairy producers, veterinarians, and technical support personnel.
Non-Technical Summary:<br/>
The purpose of NE-1048 project is to coordinate multidisciplinary research efforts on mastitis that are being conducted at various laboratories throughout the United States. The magnitude and scope of attempting to solve these problems extend far beyond the ability of any one institution. The ability to cooperate on a regional and national basis allows the integration of resources and knowledge to address this problem. Recognition of the need for a coordinated effort to study resistance of the dairy cow to mastitis resulted in the design and initiation of multi-State Project NE-1048. The NE-1048 project will provided a forum for new and established researchers to develop collaborative relationships, and to share resources and expertise. The NE-1048 project is comprised of three objectives 1) characterization of host mechanisms associated with mastitis susceptibility and resistance, 2) characterization and manipulation of virulence factors of mastitis pathogens for enhancing host defenses, and 3) assessment and application of new technologies that advance mastitis control, milk quality, and dairy food safety.
<P>
Approach:<br/>
General scientific methods used to acheive the project objectives incluse characterization of the effects of metabolic diseases on host defenses against bovine intramammary infections. In particular, controlled trials will determine effects of subacute acidosis on endotoxin tolerance in cattle, effects of acute acidosis on fecal shedding of potential mastitis causing bacteria in the cow's environment. These studies will also test products and procedures to mitigate the negative effects of metabolic disease on host defenses and to reduce pathogen exposure in bedding, will characterize pathogen populations in the cow's environment, and will determine the ecological impact of recycling manure and sand on pathogen exposure and distribution of antimicrobial resistance genes. Interactions between currently recommended control procedures and environmental effects on mastitis discovered newly discovered by this project will be used in classroom instruction, laboratory instruction, or practicum experiences; development of curriculum or innovative teaching methodologies; workshops; experiential learning opportunities; extension and outreach. Outputs will be evaluated by monitoring consumer acceptance of new technologies and milk quality indicators at the local, state and national level.