Project Number: 5410-32000-016-07
Project Type: Nonfunded Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Feb 15, 2008
End Date: Feb 14, 2013

Objective:
The Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Lab (ABADRL) will investigate the disease impact in sheep from Wyoming ranches by collecting and testing blood samples for antibodies to this virus to determine the infection rate and the percent of the flocks susceptible to new infections in the coming year. In addition, ABADRL will collect insects to test for the presence of the virus in emerging vectors. Insects will be collected to determine if the virus is present in the vectors in the vector host emerging from muddy areas in the coming season. The University of Wyoming, College of Agriculture, Department of Veterinary Sciences will investigate the incidence and distribution of bluetongue virus infection in wildlife.

Approach:
This will be a joint effort between ARS/ABADRL, who will provide rancher contacts, sheep sampling and testing, as well as entomology/vector collection and testing, and the University of Wyoming, College of Agriculture, Department of Veterinary Science will be responsible for collecting and testing samples from wildlife.