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
            208-454-8657

Dr. Glen Weiser or Dr. Alton C.S Ward
 

Pasteurella Submission Form

 

Pasteurella Tissue Sample Submission Form and Instructions - Adobe® .pdf document