The major finding of this research project is that any processing technique that can be carried out quickly and with minimal tissue damage is likely to be least stressful for the piglet. Alternative techniques such as teeth grinding, hot-iron tail-docking…
Validation of a serological assay using an 18kd oocyst-specific protein from Toxoplasma gondii for differentiation of oocyst versus tissue cyst induced human infection
The ELISA assay developed in this study is both sensitive and specific for the detection of human antibody to Toxoplasma gondii infection initiated by consumption of infectious oocysts. The assay will be useful for planned large scale surveys of human…
Bioinformatics Based Genome Comparison of Six Salmonella spp. to Provide a Foundation for the Development of Reliable Molecular Epidemiological Methods.
Salmonella research is the top priority for the pig industry especially related to pre-harvest reduction of pathogens with potential public health significance. The pre-harvest food safety research for Salmonella proposed here falls under the category of control strategy. The research…
Fecal-contaminant indicators in soils and water of a watershed producing swine and other livestock
This study reports on the presence of the bacterium E. coli in agricultural watersheds, which indicates fecal pollution. We examined its survival in soil and its transport in tile drainage and runoff. We also report on the presence of tylosin,…
Use of molecular assays to assess Toxoplasma gondii burden in commercial meat samples
Preventing pork associated foodborne diseases is important to pork producers. Infection with the parasite, Toxoplasma gondii (Tg), is a known risk factor associated with pork consumption. Thus assays that help producers find and eliminate such infections are needed. Current methods…
Development of an Antiviral and Vaccine Approach to Control Foot-and-Mouth Disease
Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) causes a highly contagious disease of cloven-hoofed animals including swine, cattle, sheep and goats. The economic impact of an FMD outbreak can be devastating as demonstrated by the 1997 and 2001 outbreaks in Taiwan and the…
Cloning of an 18kd oocyst-specific protein from Toxoplasma gondii for serological detection of human infection
Evaluation of the ammonia emissions from swine production units in Iowa
Ammonia concentrations in the air adjacent to and downwind of swine production units are of concern to producers. Most of the existing measurements have been conducted with single point monitors or at locations adjacent to or within the building and…
Best Management Practice Research in a Watershed with Swine Production Facilities
This project has supported research in the South Fork of the Iowa River watershed, where swine and other livestock are being produced, and water resource concerns have been raised. These activities are aimed to document the hydrology and water quality…