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Arthropod-borne diseases are important pathogens of livestock and significantly affect the U.S. livestock industry. Many of these diseases also affect wildlife and can act as reservoirs of these diseases. Research will be conducted to develop better animal disease control methods through managing wildlife and livestock. Control methods may include vaccine/drug development and vaccine/drug delivery systems. In addition, the interactions of the insect vectors with wildlife/livestock and diseases will be better characterized to assist with developing vector and disease management tools.
Mechanisms of pathogen neutralization in vertebrate and invertebrate cells will be determined. EHDV replication in target cells derived from cattle and deer will be studied. Whether or not insects harbor prion diseases that infect livestock and wildlife will be determined by trapping insects and analyzing them via ELISA and PCR. The effects of environmental factors on disease spread will be studied. West Nile virus impact on the western sage grouse and other sensitive species will be determined.
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What were the most significant accomplishments this past year? This report serves to document research conducted under ARS Agreement number 58-5410-4-105N between ARS and the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission. Additional details of research can be found in the report for the parent project 5410-32000-011-00D.