Mission:
The mission of the Virus and Prion Diseases of Livestock Research Unit is to identify and characterize viruses and prions (abnormal disease causing proteins) associated with economically important diseases affecting livestock and to develop methods to control or eradicate (eliminate) these diseases. Our goals include: development of diagnostic tests; understanding development (pathogenesis) of specific diseases; development of vaccines or other methods to control viral infections; and defining prevalence and impact of emerging viral diseases. We cooperate closely with field veterinarians, university scientists and diagnosticians, and federal regulatory officials, as well as livestock producers and their national organizations in diagnosing and controlling economically important virus- and prion-induced diseases affecting livestock.