4d.Progress report.
This report serves to document research conducted under a specific cooperative agreement between ARS and the RGA’s Veterinary Service. Dairy production in the Azores represents one of the largest sectors of the economy, and thus, deserves attention to continue increased production trends and expansion of markets for Azorean dairy products, as called for under the 1995 Agreement on Cooperation and Defense between the United States and Portugal. The USDA, RGA’s veterinary service and University of Azores seek to mitigate problems in the Azorean dairy production system through by establishing a health monitoring system of the herd, extension programs for farmers on dairy and human health issues related to milk production and a common research agenda in bovine genomics related to disease resistance. In early FY-2004, following the visit by the APHIS cooperator, the epidemiology survey was prepared, staff trained and prior testing carried out. Calculating size and distribution proved problemmatic. To address the prevalence study of Neospora, IBR and BVD, RGA Veterinary staff methodology described in the literature provided. Of note, the Veterinary Service believes that their vaccination campaign against brucellosis has been effective to the point of eradication. APHIS requested that data be provided that could support this conclusion. Also of note, a Spanish company has been field testing a new vaccine against Johnnes Disease in the Azores. The RGA Veterinary Services believe the vaccine to be effective and would like to employ a similar vaccination campaign once the vaccine is released for commercial sale.