Project Number: 6226-32000-010-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Feb 01, 2007
End Date: Jan 31, 2012

Objective:
The objectives of this work include 1) Determine the efficacy of bacteriophage to prevent and treat colibacillosis (Escherichia coli); 2) Determine the efficacy of bacteriophage to prevent and treat turkey coryza (Bordetella avium);and 3) Determine the efficacy of bacteriophage to prevent and treat fowl cholera (Pasteurella multocida).

Approach:
Bacteriophage will be isolated from environmental sources targeted for the bacteria E. coli, Bordetella avium, and Pasteurella multocide. Using our established colibacilosis model we will quantitatively determine the relationship between bacteriophage titers to therapeutic efficacy by treating colibacillosis with different bacteriophage titers, and will conduct in vitro studies to determine if there are any non-specific blood factors that inhibit bacteriophage activity. The efficacy of repeated treatment of bacteriophage will be conducted by administering bacteriophage prior to challenging the birds with the disease agent, and then treating them with an additional bacteriophage administration to determine if prior exposure to high titers of bacteriophage will limit the efficacy of bacteriophage to treat colibacillosis. Bacteriophage from environmental sources will be isolated with effectiveness against Bordetella avium and Pasteurella multocida. Studies will be conducted to determine the efficacy of aerosol administration of bacteriophage to prevent disease by administrating the bacteriophage prior to challenging the birds with Bordetella avium or Pasteurella multocida.