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<OL> <LI> Characterization of host mechanisms associated with mastitis susceptibility and resistance. Areas of emphasis during this 5-year project are:<UL> <LI> To identify risk factors for mastitis in dry and transition cows <LI> To identify candidate genes for resistance to mastitis <LI> To continue to define and understand host-pathogen interactions at the cellular level. </ul><LI> Characterization and manipulation of virulence factors of mastitis pathogens for enhancing host defense. Areas of emphasis during this 5-year project are: <UL><LI> To characterize genomic markers of virulence factors of mastitis pathogens <LI> To develop new epidemiological techniques to evaluate population dynamics of intramammary infections <LI> To investigate environmental regulation and expression of virulence factors <LI> To integrate this basic knowledge into applied technology (i.e. vaccination technology, vaccination schemes, and novel intervention procedures). </UL><LI>Assessment and application of new technologies that advance mastitis control, milk quality and dairy food safety. Areas of emphasis during this 5-year project are: <UL> <LI> To describe population dynamics of Streptococcus infections in dairy herds<LI> To determine the genetics, pathogen characterization and prevention of intramammary infections in non lactating heifers <LI> To develop and implement strategies to control mastitis which enhance dairy food safety.
NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: The dairy industry is New York's largest industry in the State, milk production exceeded in 2006 12 billion pounds with a total value over $2 billion. New York ranks 3rd nationally in milk production and a growing number of dairy plants are located in the state (101 in 2007, up from 90 in 1997). Mastitis is the most costly disease of dairy cattle; it affects every dairy farm and a large proportion of cows on these farms. Mastitis also affects the quality of the produced milk. From the consumers point of view animal welfare and food safety are important issues in the production of dairy products. Surveys repeatedly indicate that food safety is the first concern in the minds of consumers of dairy products. The proposed studies in this Multi-State project address both the concerns of the dairy industry (mastitis and milk quality) and the consumer of dairy products (welfare and food safety). The proposed studies have three related objectives: 1. Molecular epidemiology of bovine mastitis. Currently intramammary infections with S.uberis are diagnosed as Strep spp. A more specific diagnosis will improve development of treatment and prevention programs. Using this improved diagnostic method, further studies on on-farm epidemiology will identify cow and farm level risk factors. These will be used to develop S.uberis specific control programs. Advanced molecular techniques will be used to understand molecular epidemiology of S.uberis. 2. Pathogenesis of chronic coliform (Klebsiella and E.coli) mastitis on NE dairy herds. We will develop an infection model for chronic coliform infections. We will study the immune response to this infection in the dry period and aim to develop intervention strategies for on-farm use. 3. Develop surveillance programs for food safety pathogens in bulk milk in NE dairy herds. In collaboration with major milk cooperative in New York State we will be developing the infrastructure for bulk milk monitoring. Molecular diagnostic methods will be developed to improve our ability to monitor food safety pathogens.
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APPROACH: Study molecular epidemiology of mastitis on NE dairy herds. Currently intramammary infections with S.uberis are included in a generic Strep spp diagnosis. A more specific diagnosis will improve the develop of treatment and prevention programs. Preliminary data indicate that using selective media provide good opportunity for a specific S.uberis diagnosis. This will be developed further and implemented throughout the Quality Milk Production Services laboratory system. Using this improved diagnostic method, further studies on on-farm epidemiology will identify cow and farm level risk factors. These will be used to develop S.uberis specific control programs. Finally, advanced molecular techniques will be used to understand molecular epidemiology of S.uberis. 2. Study pathogenesis of chronic coliform (Serratia, Klebsiella and E.coli) mastitis on NE dairy herds. We will develop an infection model for chronic coliform infections. These infections used to be characterized by severe systemic illness, but are now more and more becoming chronic in nature. We will study the immune response to this infection in the dry period and aim to develop intervention strategies for on-farm use. 3. Develop surveillance programs for food safety pathogens in bulk milk in NE dairy herds. In collaboration with major milk cooperative in New York State we will be developing the infrastructure for bulk milk monitoring. Several new and fast molecular diagnostic methods will be developed to improve our ability to monitor for food safety pathogens.