Progress 07/01/03 to 09/30/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The NDSU VDL continues to refine it's quality program with a Information Technology Specialist, Dawn Walden. Ms. Walden has designed and maintains a complete quality control program that insures the results of the laboratory. The responsibilities of the molecular diagnostician have increased as PCR assays have become more commonly used for a variety of infectious diseases, some of them of regulatory importance. Dr. Pruess' continues to study biofilms. She has been successful in obtaining additional extramural funding. Dr. McEvoy's lab continues to collaborate across disciplines to study the epidemiology of Cryptosporidium in the upper Midwest watershed. Dr. Logue resigned form NDSU in the spring of 2011. Dr. Barigye has helped implement the new USAID/HED grant between NDSU and Makerere University in Uganda. Dr. Barigye is also involved in the implementation of a Joint M.S. degree between NDSU and Makerere and will be teaching the NDSU summer course in Uganda, MICR 723. Dr. Khaitsa is the program director for a large USAID grant involving several North American universities and several East African universities. She completed her study with Listeria and Salmonella surveillance in ready to eat meats in North Dakota. Dr. Gibbs' laboratory has continued its study of E. coli isolated from domestic animal, in particular, scouring calves. The UHF project tag has been completed and is no longer active. PARTICIPANTS: Kenfree Mbuba - Information Technology Specialist, Lisa Piche - Molecular Diagnostician, Dawn Walden - Quality Assurance Specialist, Kris Ringwall - Animal Scientist, Dickinson Research and Extension Center, Aaron Reinholz - Center for Nanoscale Engineering, Neil Dyer - Veterinary Pathologist, Penelope Gibbs - Microbiologist, John McEvoy - Microbiologist, Catherine Logue - Microbiologist, Birgit Pruess - Microbiologist, Margaret Khaitsa - Veterinary Epidemiologist, Robert Barigye - Veterinary immunologist TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience of the veterinary diagnostic laboratory is the animal owners and producers of the upper Midwest. Disease surveillance information is generated by the laboratory and disseminated to these owners as well as animal and public health regulatory agencies in the state. The laboratory is also a functioning part of the National Animal Health Laboratory network, a North American network of diagnostic laboratories that run routine surveillance for program diseases such as foot and mouth disease, avian influenza, classical swine fever and exotic Newcastle's disease. Principal investigators in the Department of Veterinary and Microbiological Sciences are investigating pathogenic features of relevant pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, and Cryptosporidium. Information generated from these studies is aimed at elucidating our current knowledge in areas of antibiotic resistance, disease epidemiology, and pathogenesis of disease. All of these organisms are public health concerns, particularly in the area of food safety. Work done at the Center for Nanoscale Engineering and the Dickinson Research Extension Center developed an ear tag that allowed tracking of beef cattle from source to slaughterhouse. PARTICIPANTS: PARTICIPANTS: Individuals working on this project are: Kenfree Mbuba - Information Technology Specialist, Lisa Piche - Molecular Diagnostician, Dawn Walden - Quality Assurance Specialist, Kris Ringwall - Animal Scientist, Dickinson Research and Extension Center, Aaron Reinholz - Center for Nanoscale Engineering, Neil Dyer - Veterinary Pathologist, Penelope Gibbs - Microbiologist, John McEvoy - Microbiologist, Catherine Logue - Microbiologist, Birgit Pruess - Microbiologist, Margaret Khaitsa - Veterinary Epidemiologist, Robert Barigye - Veterinary immunologist TARGET AUDIENCES: TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience of the veterinary diagnostic laboratory is the animal owners and producers of the upper Midwest. Principal investigators in the Department of Veterinary and Microbiological Sciences are investigating pathogenic features of relevant pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, and Cryptosporidium Information generated from these studies is aimed at elucidating our current knowledge in areas of antibiotic resistance, disease epidemiology, and pathogenesis of disease. All of these organisms are public health concerns, particularly in the area of food safety. Work done at the Center for Nanoscale Engineering and the Dickinson Research Extension Center is aimed at developing an ear tag that will allow tracking of beef cattle from source to slaughterhouse. This type of identification will allow accurate and timely information on individual animal health and animal tracking in the event of a disease outbreak. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Project complete
Impacts
The IT specialist, Ken Mbuba, manages the transmission of animal disease information to the North Dakota Board of Animal Health, the North Dakota Department of Health, USDA/APHIS, and the National Animal Health Laboratory Network. The molecular diagnostician performs PCR assays for anthrax, tularemia, west Nile virus, swine influenza, rabies,and the NAHLN program diseases. The quality control specialist is responsible for ensuring that all protocols are accurate, that all equipment is functional, that all personnel are adequately trained, and that performance of surveillance assays is adequate to the procedure at hand. The Pruess lab studies biofilm formation with the ultimate hope of identifying drug targets that will eliminate biofilms in unwanted environments. Knowledge gained in the McEvoy lab has been used to track sources of water contamination and characterize human health risk. Dr. Barigyes' work resulted in the exchange of graduate students and various collaborative research projects related to international disease management in the animal and public health arena. This gives North American and African students a global educational experience. Since March 2010 Dr. Khaitsas' lab has tested samples of assorted RTE meat products (hot dogs, sausages, sliced meats) were obtained from processing plants in ND under the state meat inspection program; others were purchased from retail outlets in ND. Dr. Khaitsa also supervises the USAID grant and all programmatic work between North American and African universities. Dr. Gibbs' continues to target resistance mechanisms in relevant bacteria. The UHF project tag have proven to be very reliable, weather resistant and we have had few retention problems. Tags are in constant demand as is the direction and implementation of our program. Data has been collected from accelerated temperature cycle testing of the cattle tags in the laboratory.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The NDSU VDL has improved its' testing and surveillance capabilities with an Information Technology Specialist, a Molecular Diagnostician, and a Quality Control Specialist. Dr. Pruess' lab has completed the cloning of several promoter fusions. The next step will be to transform E. coli with these plasmids and set up the fluorescence microscopy. The goal is to study the temporal and spatial expression from the selected promoters within biofilm formation. Dr. McEvoy's lab: Cryptosporidium was detected in 131 of 308 samples. 14 Cryptosporidium genotypes were identified in 10 host species. Voles and squirrels are susceptible to multiple Cryptosporidium genotypes. C. ubiquitum and C. parvum were associated with squirrels and deer mice. Dr. Logues' laboratory found the prevalence of Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus to be relatively low among live and diagnostic samples. At the retail level, the prevalence of MRSA was approximately 8% in retail pork and not detected in retail beef or chicken. Dr. Barigye has helped implement the new USAID/HED grant between NDSU and Makerere University in Uganda. Dr. Barigye is also involved in the implementation of a Joint M.S. degree between NDSU and Makerere and will be teaching the NDSU summer course in Uganda, MICR 723. Dr. Khaitsa investigated the presence of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella in ready to eat meats from processing plants and retail outlets in North Dakota. Dr. Gibbs' laboratory has determined that the widespread multi-drug resistant E. coli is due to a conjugative plasmid that has been common in the state. Additional multi-drug resistant E. coli have emerged in some mastitis as well as other clinical conditions in cattle. The UHF project tag was developed in coordination with Y-Tex and supported by the technical support of the CNSE at NDSU. Tag layout and design along with a matching preprinted calving book was distributed to over 57 producers and utilized in multiple field studies and tests at Michigan State, Decatur County Feed Yard and many rural operations. Data has been collected from accelerated temperature cycle testing of the cattle tags in the laboratory. Any failure modes will be compared to tags that are returned from being subjected to actual field environments. Discussions have continued on options to modify the assembly tooling and assembly process to reduce the production cost. One specific action is to assess whether the RFID tags could be made on a more rigid substrate. Developed and installed a reader system with four antennas on a feed bunk at Michigan State University's Beef Research Center. The system was configured so that only tags within the confines of the feed bunk area would be read. A software application was developed to monitor tag reads and trigger an alert if a tag hasn't been read in a specified period of time. A portable reader system was built to support deployment in remote locations for reading cattle being loaded onto a truck for transport. A handheld reader was ordered to support collection of cattle ID data. Information was gathered on various vendors and models that are available. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals working on this project are: Kenfree Mbuba - Information Technology Specialist, Lisa Piche - Molecular Diagnostician, Dawn Walden - Quality Assurance Specialist, Kris Ringwall - Animal Scientist, Dickinson Research and Extension Center, Aaron Reinholz - Center for Nanoscale Engineering, Neil Dyer - Veterinary Pathologist, Penelope Gibbs - Microbiologist, John McEvoy - Microbiologist, Catherine Logue - Microbiologist, Birgit Pruess - Microbiologist, Margaret Khaitsa - Veterinary Epidemiologist, Robert Barigye - Veterinary immunologist TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience of the veterinary diagnostic laboratory is the animal owners and producers of the upper Midwest. Disease surveillance information is generated by the laboratory and disseminated to these owners as well as animal and public health regulatory agencies in the state. This information helps track animal disease trends and provide a window on the pathogens identified in current casework. The laboratory is also a functioning part of the National Animal Health Laboratory network, a North American network of diagnostic laboratories that run routine surveillance for program diseases such as foot and mouth disease, avian influenza, classical swine fever and exotic Newcastle's disease. Therefore our laboratory provides animal disease surveillance at the local and national levels. Principal investigators in the Department of Veterinary and Microbiological Sciences are investigating pathogenic features of relevant pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium and Staphylococcus. Information generated from these studies is aimed at elucidating our current knowledge in areas of antibiotic resistance, disease epidemiology, and pathogenesis of disease. All of these organisms are public health concerns, particularly in the area of food safety. Work done at the Center for Nanoscale Engineering and the Dickinson Research Extension Center is aimed at developing an ear tag that will allow tracking of beef cattle from source to slaughterhouse. This type of identification will allow accurate and timely information on individual animal health and animal tracking in the event of a disease outbreak. This has implications to all aspects of the beef production industry. The clinical trials to this point have been very encouraging. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The IT specialist implemented electronic transmission of animal disease information to the North Dakota Board of Animal Health, the North Dakota Department of Health, USDA/APHIS, and the National Animal Health Laboratory Network. The molecular diagnostician is responsible for of anthrax, tularemia, west Nile virus, swine influenza, and the NAHLN program diseases. The quality control specialist is responsible for ensuring that all protocols are accurate, that all equipment is functional, that all personnel are adequately trained, and that performance of surveillance assays is adequate to the procedure at hand. The goal of work in the Pruess lab is to study the temporal and spatial expression from the selected promoters within biofilm formation. The ultimate goal is to propose drug targets that will eliminate biofilms in unwanted environments. Knowledge gained in the McEvoy lab has been used to track sources of water contamination and characterize human health risk. Small mammals are being used as a model to study the effect of factors such as host population density, diversity and behavior on the host range of Cryptosporidium genotypes. Dr. Logues' study is currently assessing the prevalence of MRSA in meat production animals both healthy and those submitted through the ND veterinary diagnostic lab (ND VDL), and retail meat and meat products in the ND region. Dr. Barigyes' work will result in the exchange of graduate students and various collaborative research projects related to international disease management in the animal and public health arena. This gives North American students a global educational experience. Since March 2010 Dr. Khaitsas' lab has tested samples of assorted RTE meat products (hot dogs, sausages, sliced meats) were obtained from processing plants in ND under the state meat inspection program; others were purchased from retail outlets in ND. Dr. Gibbs' research is being pursued in hopes of determining the actual resistance mechanisms gained by these E. coli bacteria from the conjugative plasmid. The UHF project tag have proven to be very reliable, weather resistant and we have had few retention problems. Tags are in constant demand as is the direction and implementation of our program. Data has been collected from accelerated temperature cycle testing of the cattle tags in the laboratory. Tags installed in quantity 98 NDSU heifer cattle in December 2009 were still functioning well when they were put out to pasture in early summer. Tags from the Michigan State University beef cattle study were collected at the packing plant and are being sent back to NDSU for evaluation. An update was made to the DREC ranch setup. The antennas were installed in a plastic enclosure to protect from the environmental elements. Data will be collected as the cattle enrolled in the age and source verification program which were tagged with UHF tags move through the system from North Dakota producers to feedlots.
Publications
- Pruess, B.M., K. Verma, P. Samanta, P. Sule, S. Kumar, J. Wu, S.M. Horne, D. Christianson, S.J. Stafslien, A.J. Wolfe, and A.M. Denton. 2010. Environmental and genetic factors that contribute to Escherichia coli K-12 biofilm formation. Arch. Microbiol. 192:715-728.
- Vinson, H., Gautam, A., Gibbs, S.P and Barigye, R. (2010). Molecular analysis of porin gene expression in multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli strains. J. Antim. Chemother. 65(9):1926-1935.
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Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Faculty investigated gene regulation in pathogenic bacteria of the GI system, including basic pathogenesis mechanisms and applied aspects of meat contamination and biofilm production. We studied Salmonella and E. coli in beef cattle, and contamination of ready-to-eat meats. The department expanded a partnership with the veterinary school in Uganda across East Africa, addressing transboundary and zoonotic diseases. Studies further explained the spread of highly antibiotic resistant E. coli in calf scours from ND ranches; identified a difference in the Mycobacterium from cattle with symptomatic versus asymptomatic Johnes disease infections; and identified a potential reservoir for Enterobacter sakazakii (now Cronobacter spp.) in cattle and bison feces. In the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, the project facilitated enhanced development of PCR diagnostic tests. It facilitated IT development, particularly disease surveillance data sharing with the ND Department of Ag and ND Department of Health. In emergency response, the Rapid Response Team participated in ICS training. Dickinson State University continued to offer GIS training and hosted the West River GIS Consortium, which allows agencies to share GIS/GPS data efforts in the region and avoid unnecessary duplication. In animal identification, the latest UHF cattle RFID ear tag prototype was manufactured in a commercial facility. Cattle were tagged and monitored through a commercial feedlot, and an accurate manifest verified animal id at the point of shipment. The CalfAID program continued to provide age and source verification of cattle. Placing value on the calf and the accompanying data has facilitated trace back and trace forward. Cattle were tracked through the market chain, and it was determined that only 20% of calves arrived at processing with age and source data. We studied the design of a dual frequency, low (135kHz) and high (916MHz), RFID tag. The two technologies are compatible and a dual-frequency tag should be possible. We have also investigated methods to reduce the size of high-frequency passive RFID tags and extend their range. We are working on additional antenna designs and wider producer applications. We conducted field testing and proof of concept demonstrations at multiple locations. The UHF cattle ID project was demonstrated at the international Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN), Beyond Borders Conference for Americans and Canadians in the livestock industry, held in Fargo, ND. Demonstrations were conducted in a commercial feedlot in Kansas which included USDA and manufacturing personnel. Data was presented through scientific publications, extension publication, and conference proceedings. These efforts have enhanced our understanding of Salmonella and E. coli in beef cattle, trained future biomedical scientists, and begun the establishment of a disease surveillance network across the US and East Africa. These efforts have been particularly relevant and related to human and animal health in North Dakota. PARTICIPANTS: Douglas Freeman - Project Director. Participated in overall planning, organization and implementation of the coordinated projects. Kris Ringwall - PI. Directed the Rapid response Team and animal Tracking. Aaron Reinholz - co-PI. Directed micro electronics research. Jake Glower - co-PI. Directed Electrical engineering for RFID Neil Dyer - co PI. Directed disease surveillance. Tim Sellnow - co-PI. Directed risk communication. Margaret Khaitsa - conducted disease pathogenesis research, led international activities and directed graduate studies. Penelope Gibbs - conducted disease pathogenesis research and directed graduate studies. Birgit Pruess - conducted disease pathogenesis research and directed graduate studies. Robert Barigye - conducted disease pathogenesis research and directed graduate studies. Dickinson State University, Ag and Technical Studies - partner organization, participated in cattle tracking, map development and GPS technology. TARGET AUDIENCES: A major target audience is the livestock industry, based on application of UHF RFID in cattle management and disease surveillance. Efforts included graduate education for participating graduate students. Efforts also include an international experiential learning opportunity for students who traveled to Uganda for the summer course in International animal production, disease surveillance and public health. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Through our efforts a new physical RFID (UHF) tag has been manufactured by an industry leading ear-tag company utilizing design, function and concept developed by our team. This may change the method of animal handling in relation to animal health, disease recognition and prevention as well as assist in food safety and bio-security throughout the livestock industry. Studies continue to demonstrate enhanced capabilities in ear tag design which should have a positive impact on the livestock and food production industries. Through these efforts, disease surveillance data is being shared between the diagnostic lab, the state veterinarian, and the department of health. This effort supports the one health concept. Public private partnerships are strengthened, which supports application of research results in the field. Collaboration in disease surveillance and research with veterinary programs in Africa broadens student and faculty experience and strengthens a global perspective. Basic research continues to add to the body of knowledge in disease pathogenesis, both at a basic and applied level.
Publications
- Horne, S.M., Mattson, K. and Pruess, B.M.. 2009. Phenotypes of an Escherichia coli aer mutant include a reduced ability to colonize the streptomycin-treated mouse large intestine. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek Internat. J. of Gen. and Mol. Microbiol. 95:149-158.
- Sule, P., Wadhawan, T., Carr, N.J., Horne, S.M., Wolfe, A.J. and Pruess, B.M. 2009. A combination of assays reveals biomass differences in biofilms formed by Escherichia coli mutants. Lett. Appl. Microbiol. 49: 299-304.
- Braaten, B.D., Scheeler, R.P., Reich, M., Nelson, R.M., Bauer-Reich, C., Glower, J., Owen, G.J. and Reinholz, A. 2009. Compact Metamaterial Based UHF RFID Antennas: Deformed Omega and Split-Ring Resonator Structures. Applied Computational Electromagnetics Journal, (Accepted).
- Braaten, B.D., Scheeler, R.P., Reich, M., Nelson, R.M., Bauer-Reich, C., Glower, J., Owen, G.J. and Reinholz, A. 2009. A Compact Meander-Line UHF RFID Tag Antenna Loaded with Elements Found in Right/Left-Handed Coplanar Waveguide Structures. IEEE Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters. (Accepted).
- Sellnow, T.L., Ulmer, R.R., Seeger, M.W. and Littlefield, R.S. 2009. Effective risk communication: A message-centered approach. New York: Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.
- Veil, S.R. and Sellnow, T.L. 2009. Organizational learning in a high-risk environment: Responding to an anthrax outbreak. Journal of Applied Communications. (in press).
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Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: RFID and Cattle Tracking. The RFID reader setup was updated for an outdoor environment and ranch setting. We began integrating and testing new hardware to interface with the readers in place of a laptop computer. Assembly options for RFID tags were investigated to ensure the RFID chip remains attached to the antenna despite the flexing with an eartag. Several variations of custom RFID tags were developed to compare performance and reliability. We are providing ND Beef Cattle Improvement Association (NDBCIA) members the ability to source and age verify cattle. The CalfAID Process Verification Program provides a specific process for source and age verification and traceback. In 2007 and 2008, 10,279 tags were dispensed to 48 herds. DREC developed a "Safe Zone" component study dealing with cull cows and shipping direct to the packer. All cows were back tagged, matched to a visual tag and identified by brand inspection. Normal cattle selling mechanisms were utilized. Individual weights, a body condition and lameness score were taken. Fecal and blood samples were tested for BVD, Johnes and Leukosis. Price, percent yield, costs and net return were determined. All diagnostics proved negative. Disease Pathogenesis and Diagnostics The E. coli mouse project produced an accepted animal model to study colonization by E. coli metabolic mutants. Another set of microarray experiments compared gene expression in E. coli grown on the surface of beef between wild-type bacteria and a mutant. We are currently summarizing the regulatory network that is underlying these experiments. Our MS student completed her degree in July and has begun a PhD program. The sensor for Mycobacterium paratuberculosis (MAP) is still being refined in order to specifically detect this bacterium in feces. It is almost ready for use in detection of MAP in milk and milk products. Surveillance of a highly pathogenic and multi-antibiotic resistant Escherichia coli associated with severe and untreatable calf scours in North Dakota is also ongoing. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and antibiotic resistance patterns indicate multiple isolates in one fecal sample, in some cases. The isolates are usually very similar, but the testing should ensure the correct reporting of antibiotic resistance pattern. Efflux pump mechanisms are being identified to develop antimicrobials that specifically target these resistance mechanisms. We have identified the presence of several genes that are universal in efflux pump mechanisms of antibiotic resistance using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting techniques. The vat gene (vacuolating autotransporter protein) has not been found in most of these scour isolates. It is located in urinary pathogenic E. coli isolates, and further research is needed to determine the impact this gene may have on human and animal disease. PCR tests for Equine Herpes Virus, Trichomonas, and MAP direct fecal have been validated and verified for the NDSU Veterinary Diagnostic Lab. New PCR test are made available for case submissions. PARTICIPANTS: Participants included a broad interdisciplinary team of faculty and scientists, including: Douglas Freeman - Project Director Kris Ringwall - Researcher (animal management) Mick Riesinger - Researcher (biosecurity) Aaron Reinholz - Researcher (nanoscale engineering) Jake Glower - Researcher (engineering) Chip Poland - Researcher (GPS and data mangement) Robert Barigye - Researcher (infectious disease) Birgit Pruess - researcher (infectious disease) Margaret Khaitsa - Researcher (epidemiology, food safety) Penelope Gibbs - researcher (infectious disease) Undergraduate and graduate students participated in these projects, including: Preeti Sule - graduate student Jennifer Toftland - graduate student Heather Vinson - technician Chelsea Sonius - summer student intern TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include livestock producers, animal industry, animal health professionals, health and biomedical scientists, and undergraduate or graduate students, including: North Dakota Beef Cattle Improvement Association ND Department of Agriculture ND Department of Health USDA Veterinarians PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
This project developed greater understanding of elements of RFID antenna design as it relates to placement within plastic material, and as it relates to longevity and ruggedness under extreme outdoor conditions. In conjunction, we learned about software development leading to rapid movement of selected, stored information referring to individual animals between data bases. We have developed an improved understanding of the use of RFID for market enhancement and disease surveillance. Our researchers continue to better understand mechanisms of microbial disease pathogenesis, and train new scientists. The veterinary diagnostic lab has enhanced its ability to provide disease surveillance in the region.
Publications
- Barigye R, Schaan L, Gibbs PS, Schamber E, and NW Dyer. 2007. Diagnostic evidence of Staphylococcus warneri as a possible cause of bovine abortion. J. Vet Diag. Invest. 19: 694-696.
- Barigye R, Schamber E, Newell TK, and NW Dyer. 2007. Hepatic lipidosis and other test findings in two captive adult porcupines (Erethizon dorsatum) dying from a sudden death syndrome. J. Vet Diag. Invest. 19: 712-716.
- Barigye R, Dyer NW, Newell TK, Khaitsa MK, Trout JM, and M. Santin. 2008. Molecular and immunohistochemical detection of Assemblage E /Giardia duodenalis/ in scouring North Dakota calves. Journal of Parasitology 157:196-202.
- M Ndiva Mongoh, Hearne R, Dyer NW, and ML Khaitsa. 2008. The Economic Impact of West Nile virus Infection in horses in the North Dakota Equine Industry in 2002, J Tropical Animal Production and Health, 40:69-76.
- M Ndiva Mongoh, Dyer NW, Khaitsa ML, and CL Stoltenow. 2008. Risk factors associated with an anthrax outbreak in animals in North Dakota, 2005: A retrospective case control study. Public Health Reports, 123:352-359.
- Dyer, NW, Hansen-Lardy L, Krogh D, Schaan L and E Schamber. 2008. An outbreak of chronic pneumonia and polyarthritis syndrome caused by /Mycoplasma bovis/ in feedlot bison (Bison bison). J. Vet. Diagn. Invest. 20:369-371.
- M Ndiva Mongoh, Dyer NW, Stoltenow CL, and ML Khaitsa. 2008. A review of management practices for the control of anthrax in animals: The 2005 outbreak in North Dakota a case study. Zoonoses and Public Health 55:279-290.
- M Ndiva Mongoh, Hearne R, Dyer NW, Stoltenow CL, and ML Khaitsa. 2008. Private and public economic incentives for the control of animal diseases: the case of anthrax in livestock J. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases 55:319-328.
- Uzoigwe JC, Oloya J, Dyer NW, Gibbs PS, and ML Khaitsa, 2008. Occurrence of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis infection in Cattle in North Dakota, 1995 - 2005. The Bovine Practitioner, 42:160-168.
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Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07
Outputs
This project includes activities related to teaching and mentoring, particularly graduate students in microbiology and epidemiology. Students also participated in an international disease surveillance program. The most significant event was completed in October 06 as an action summit and demonstration of the most recent prototype of our ultra high frequency cattle ear tag. Our research team also met with a team of acientists form Michigan to share information and develop ideas for potential joint projects in aniaml identification. Two methods for constructing the cattle ear tag containing the ultra high frequency antenna have been developed. Tags have been produced and are being tested under adverse field conditions. Ongoing research is looking at improving the ear tag range by incorporating newer generation RFID antennae and by improving the antenna design. In one demonstartion, the high-freqnecy tags were 100% successful at identifying 440 cattle as they passed under a gate unimpeded.
Impacts
This project developed greater understanding of elements of RFID antenna design as it relates to placement within plastic material, and as it relates to longevity and ruggedness under extreme outdoor conditions. In conjunction, we learned about software development leading to rapid movement of selected, stored information referring to individual animals between data bases. Our team gathered information regarding the incidence of Salmonella in North Dakota animals (particularly cattle) and humans. The veterinary diagnostic lab developed greater understanding and enhanced methodology for disease surveillance in the region.
Publications
- Oloya J, Theis M, Doetkott D, Dyer N, Gibbs P, Khaitsa ML, 2007. Evaluation of Salmonella Occurrence in Domestic Animals and Humans in North Dakota (2000-2005). J. Foodborne Pathogens & Disease,4 (4)551-563.
- Theis M, Oloya J, Doetkott D, Dyer N, Gibbs P, Khaitsa ML, 2007. Salmonella Occurrence in North Dakota forage-fed beef cattle: Prevalence, Characterization and comparison with reports from the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Beef Cattle and Range Research Report: Agricultural Experiment Station, Dept. Animal and Range Sciences, North Dakota State University.
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Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06
Outputs
Ongoing diagnostic work continues in the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, including the development of rapid diagnostics utilizing PCR for several pathogens, including anthrax. The VDL is performing liquid culture and subsequent Real-time PCR on suspect fecal samples for Mycobacerium paratuberculosis (Johne's Disease); from January to May 2006, the lab ran over 400 fecal samples in liquid culture and PCR, and reported out 15 positive results. Gas chromatography, HPLC and mass spectrophotometry are being utilized to analyze fatty acids from the isolates, as these are suspected to be involved in the immunopathology. Faculty and graduate students in Veterinary and Microbiological Sciences were supported in a variety of current research projects related to models of disease pathogenesis, diagnosis and disease surveillance. In addition to the development of new models and enhanced understanding of microbial disease, these efforts provide a source of training for the next
generation of scientists and health professionals. High frequency RFID tags have been tested extensively in laboratory or warehouse conditions. In addition, we concentrated on testing whether passive HF RFID could work in field conditions. Some of these activities include Doorway Gate Design, Alley Gate Design, and development of short life and medium life RFID ear tags. In the past year, we have developed several techniques to measure the 'quality' of an RFID tag. This is a necessary activity to design and optimize our own RFID tag in the size and shape of a cattle tag. We are now able mathematically model and predict the performance of an RFID antenna design using ANSOFT providing the antenna is at least 1.5m away from the RFID tag. We are now designing and building our own RFID antennas. Based on trace back studies, current methods of cattle traceability work (greater than 99%) including branding, provided cattle are not co-mingled and resorted. Once co-mingled and resorted cattle
were not traceable (0%) by any current method primarily due to cut tags, 79% within backgrounders and 13% within feeders, and simple logistics of re-working larger groups of calves. Cattle must maintain original electronic ear tags recorded in the USDA-APHIS-VS network of approved data bases.The Biosurveillance Working Group (BWG) has continued to meet statewide and coordinate activities, including the state and federal veterinarians.
Impacts
The animal RFID and trace back research is generating novel data that should serve the national need in animal id for producers and regulatory agencies. Studies in disease pathogenesis, epidemiology, engineering and communication continue and provide critical new data in addition to opportunities for student education and training. This project has continued to improve our ability to respond to a disease outbreak, conduct related research, communicate critical information and educate our clientele.
Publications
- Horne, S.M., and B.M. Pruess. 2006. Global gene regulation in Yersinia enterocolitica: effect of FliA on the expression levels of flagellar and plasmid-encoded virulence genes. Arch. Microbiol. 185:115-126.
- Pruess, B.M., C. Besemann, Denton, A. and Wolfe, A.J. 2006. A complex transcription network controls the early stages of biofilm formation. J. Bacteriol. 188:3731-3739.
- Khaitsa, ML, M. L. Bauer, G. P. Lardy, D. Doetkott, R. B. Kegode and P. S. Gibbs, 2006. Fecal shedding of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in North Dakota feedlot cattle in the fall and spring. J Food Prot. 69(5)1154-1158.
- Khaitsa, ML, R. Barigye, N.W. Dyer, D. Doetkott, JR Foster. 2006. Serologic and other Diagnostic Evidence of Neospora caninum presence in North Dakota Beef Herds. The Bovine Practitioner 40(1) 51-56.
- Khaitsa, ML, R. Kegode, M. L. Bauer, P. S. Gibbs, G. P. Lardy and D. Doetkott. 2006. A longitudinal study of Salmonella shedding and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in North Dakota feedlot cattle (J. Food Protection, In press).
- Khaitsa, M.L., R. Barigye, N.W. Dyer, D. Doetkott, J.R. Foster. 2006. Extension Publication: Evidence of Neospora caninum presence in North Dakota Beef Herds. Unified Beef Cattle and Range Research Report: Agricultural Experiment Station, Dept. Animal and Range Sciences, North Dakota State University.
- Theis, M., M.L. Khaitsa, D. Doetkott, N. Dyer, P. Gibbs. 2005. Salmonella Occurrence in North Dakota Grass Fed Beef Cattle: Prevalence, Characterization and Comparison with reports from the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and North Dakota Department of Health. In: Proceedings of the 86th Annual Meeting of the Conference of Research Workers in Animal Diseases. St Louis, MO, Dec.3 -6, 2005. Abstract No. 36.
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Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05
Outputs
The Veterinary Diagnostic Lab continues to enhance disease surveillance and development of rapid diagnostic tests, including anthrax. Rapid diagnostics, and disease tracking has been applied to recent anthrax outbreaks. Research and graduate training in pathogenesis of disease continues in Veterinary and Microbiological Sciences, including pathogens such as E. coli, Clostridium spp., Yersinia, Salmonella and Camphylobacter. In addition, microbial and mycotoxin loads were studied in wheat, and methods for reduction. At the Dickinson Research and Extension Center (DREC) research addressing two areas of animal ID has continued: 1) identifying calves with commercial electronic IDs (EID) and following through sales and marketing avenues; and 2) developing high frequency EID system. In objective one, over 5000 calves were tagged with commercial EIDs, and were subsequently traced through the marketing channels. 99.67% of the project calves were tracked to the first premises
after market, primarily through brand systems and sale barn records. 37.5% of the project calves were eventually tracked to slaughter and 41.7% were not traceable. The rise in untraceable animals reflected the movement to the next premises from back-grounded and feedlot groups. Obstacles included tag removal, co-mingling and re-sorting cattle, and refusal to access cattle. Estimated costs of processing, data management, tracking and retrieving carcass data on project calves total $20 per calf. In objective two, engineers at the Center for Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering continued development of novel high frequency EID tags with reader setups for evaluation and refinement of the technology. Tag reader systems were built and deployed in two locations at the DREC ranch unit: 1) a fixed indoor installation setup, and 2) an outdoor setup deployed in a 16 foot wide alley. These systems provided data collection and analysis
opportunities on cattle tagged with experimental high frequency EID tags. Data on both projects has been presented in several venues. The Discovery Investigation Group at the Hettinger Research and Extension Center continued training in the areas of personal safety and Global Positioning for the purpose of locating remote sites rapidly, and continued to improve equipment capacity. The Agrosecurity Resource Center, at Dickinson State University, conducted mock exercises and produced over 27 Map Sets containing over 120 maps that simulate those that would be generated for an Emergency Response Team. In the Plant Diagnostic Lab, crop scouts, technical support and equipment upgrades were funded as part of the participation in coordinated, nation-wide efforts to track new diseases, which would include investigation into alleged bioterrorism acts. The Ag Communications / Outreach Education has continued projects in agrosecurity education. The Risk and Crisis Communication group designed a
model in conjunction with the National Center for Food Protection and Defense to outline best practices in risk and crisis communication. The model was tested using an anthrax outbreak in ND.
Impacts
The Biosurveillance Working Group has continued to meet statewide and coordinate activities, including the state and federal veterinarians. This project has continued to improve our ability to respond to a disease outbreak, conduct related research on infectious disease pathogenesis, communicate critical information and educate our clientele.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/04
Outputs
Strengthening diagnostic capabilities in the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab continues. The BL3 lab has a full-time technician who is developing rapid, pcr-based diagnostic assays. The diagnostic microbiologist and dedicated technician monitor field samples and work on improving diagnostic testing. Researchers in disease pathogenesis have been added to the group, including specialists in pathogenic microbiology, immunology and microbial physiology. Projects planned or underway include tracking and evaluating samples submitted to the diagnostic lab; surveying and evaluating cultures from cattle across the state for organisms including E. coli and Salmonella; and studying virulence factors in Yersinia. The Rapid Response Team has actively worked with veterinarians and producers in the field to 1) educate producers regarding animal id and traceback, begin tagging and following cattle in the field using both standard, low frequency, electronic id tags and a new prototype, high
frequency RFID tag, and 3) train in the use of the mobile field equipment. The construction of a mobile laboratory trailer was recently completed. Engineer collaborators are continuing to develop and improve the high frequency RFID tags and readers for use in the animal id projects. The Discovery Group has held at least two training sessions for specialists, including the use of GPS technology. The Agrosecurity Resource Center at Dickinson State University has established multiple databases containing information necessary for responding to a disease outbreak or other event. The Plant Pathology Lab has enhanced its equipment and augmented faculty development.
Impacts
This project will have a significant impact on the timely response to a disease outbreak in North Dakota. In addition, it will generally 1) improve the ability of the diagnostic labs to diagnose and monitor routine health issues, 2) provide a mechanism to improve routine animal husbandry and management, and 3) support related infectious disease research.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/02 to 09/30/03
Outputs
The overall objective of this project is to facilitate the most rapid and efficient identification, diagnosis, containment and prevention of a disease outbreak in North Dakota livestock and crops. Specific objectives are: 1) the enhancement of veterinary diagnostics and infectious disease research at NDSU; 2) the development of a rapid response team at the Dickinson and Hettinger Research Extension Centers to respond to an outbreak in livestock; 3) the development of a state-of-the-art Communications Center at Dickinson State University; 4) partnership between NDSU, DSU, the ND Department of Health, the ND state veterinarian and ND veterinary reserve corp; 5) collaboration with regional and national diagnostic networks 6) enhancement of NDSU plant diagnostic lab capabilities; and 7) extension training programs and disaster communication preparation; At the current early stages of this project, facilities and equipment at the ND Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory have
been enhanced. Contacts with the national diagnostic network, state veterinary offices and ND Department of Health have been initiated. The Rapid Response Team has been established, and equipment is being prepared. The communications center at DSU has been created, and data bases are being gathered. Relevant research related to pathogen virulence factors is ongoing in Veterinary and Microbiological Sciences.
Impacts
This project will have a significant impact on the timely response to a disease outbreak in North Dakota. In addition, it will generally 1) improve the ability of the diagnostic labs to diagnose and monitor routine health issues, 2) provide a mechanism to improve routine animal husbandry and management, and 3 support related infectious disease research.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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