Nanobiotechnology Strategies For The Detection of Infectious Agents of Farm Animals

This Conference proposal addresses one of AFRI's priorities within the 2014 Farm Bill, i.e., B. Animal Health and Production and Animal Products - Animal systems and Subpriority IX -Research and development of surveillance methods, vaccines, vaccination delivery systems, or diagnostic tests for pests and diseases (including epizootic diseases in domestic livestock) and zoonotic diseases (including bovine brucellosis and bovine tuberculosis) in domestic livestock or wildlife reservoirs that present a potential concern to public health. The proposal also directly aligns with 2014 USDA REE Action Plan's Goal 1: Local and Global Food Supply and Security. Funds are requested for supporting a scientific session on nanobiotechnology-based strategies for rapid and, sensitive, and cost-effective detection of infectious agents in farm animals and wildlife. This conference will bring together leading experts in veterinary microbiology and immunology, molecular biology, nano-materials and
engineering so as to review innovative methodologies for sensing, quantifying, diagnosing infectious agents for rapidly responding to outbreaks of farm animal diseases, the majority of which may be zoonotic. The combination of engineering and biology with a strong focus on the "One Health" concept will be a hallmark of the planned event. To achieve this, investigators will actively involve a large community of participants, and provide an exciting forum to exemplify the intellectual merit of nanobiotechnology in the solution of pressing problems in the U.S. animal agriculture. The funding from this proposal will support registration fees for 20 student participants at $25.00 each, plus provide funding for student awards (oral and poster presentations), support invited keynote speakers, breaks, venue charges, materials, etc.