Biosecurity Engagement Program projects:

Porcine Reproductive Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS)

Investigation of Porcine Reproductive Respiratory Syndrome

ARS Virus and Prion Diseases of Livestock Research Unit in the National Animal Disease Center in Ames, Iowa and the Philippine Animal Health Center (PAHC), Bureau of Animal Industry.

Objectives:

• Current PRRS and PCV-2 strains circulating in the Philippines are to be isolated from outbreaks and archived.
• Vaccination studies need to be conducted to determine if the current vaccine used in the Philippines is protecting pigs from infection with the current virulent strains of PRRS circulating in the Philippines.

Contact information:

Kelly M. Lager, Veterinary Medical Officer, Virus and Prion Diseases of Livestock Research Unit, USDA/Agricultural Research Service

Michael Abbey, International Affairs Specialist, Office of International Research Programs, USDA/Agricultural Research Service

Ruminant Parasitology

Investigation of Parasite Infections That Impact Livestock Production

ARS Bovine Functional Genomics Laboratory in Beltsville, MD and the Philippine Animal Health Center (PAHC), Bureau of Animal Industry.

Objectives:

• Improved diagnosis of gastrointestinal nematodes by the use of a DNA-based, “multiplex” PCR technique that is simple, sensitive and rapid, and allows the user to simultaneously test for 5 different genera of GI nematodes infecting cattle or sheep and can be used on DNA isolated from parasite eggs.
• Identification of genetic resistance markers that could be used to make informed breeding decisions in terms of minimizing the effects of the parasites on production.
• Improved diagnosis of Trichinella in swine herds that would allow for better surveillance and control.

Contact information:

Louis C Gasbarre, Research Leader, Bovine Functional Genomics Laboratory, USDA/Agricultural Research Service

Michael Abbey, International Affairs Specialist, Office of International Research Programs, USDA/Agricultural Research Service