Pasteurella Molecular Biology Research Laboratory
Research on Pasteurella, Mycoplasma, and related organisms and viruses by scientists at the Caine Center has
given them some insight into bighorn pneumonia, but has not solved the dilemma of all causes precipitating sudden
die-offs. This CAST paper written by Miller, Bulgin and Knowles sums
up the current knowledge of the role of Pasteurella in bighorn disease.
Wildlife/Domestic Animal Disease Interactions
Research Highlights
First to demonstrate that most free-ranging Bighorn sheep carry Pasteurella spp. bacteria, a significant
contribution to wild sheep management practice and policy in Idaho and the entire western US and Canada Isolated and
characterized Pasteurella spp. strains from numerous wildlife species (e.g., bighorn sheep, mule deer, elk,
mountain goat, cougar, antelope). First to demonstrate vast diversity in wildlife Pasteurella spp., over 150
biovarient types.
First to use molecular biology tools to demonstrate transmission of disease causing Pasteurella spp.
strains from adult bighorn sheep to caesarian-derived bighorn lambs.
First to characterize Pasteurella spp. bacteria in bison with bronchopneumonia, and first to isolate
Histophilus somni (a related pathogen) from bison.
Largest collection (over 10,000) of Pasteurella spp. isolates from wildlife characterized and maintained
at Caine Veterinary Teaching Center.
Molecular genetic characterization techniques developed and adapted to identify disease associations
Biochemical tests developed and adapted to determine potential of different strains to cause disease
Refereed publications, competitive grant funding, University of Idaho represented at internationally-attended
scientific meetings
Graduate and undergraduate student training.
Services Offered
Isolation and detailed identification of Pasteurellaceae, including disease potential interpretation
DNA profiling for strain identification and comparison
PCR and restriction analysis of virulence factor genes
For further information contact:
Dr. Glen Weiser or Dr. Alton Ward
Caine Veterinary Teaching Center
University of Idaho
1020 East Homedale Road
Caldwell, Idaho 83607
Ph: 208-454-8657
gweiser@uidaho.edu or
award@uidaho.edu
Pasteurella Tissue Sample Submission Form and Instructions
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