Source: UNIV OF CALIFORNIA (VET-MED) submitted to
EPIZOOTIC BOVINE ABORTION: GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION OF THE TICK VECTOR AND CAUSATIVE AGENT
 
PROJECT DIRECTOR: Stott, J. L.
 
PERFORMING ORGANIZATION
PATHOLOGY, MICROBIOLOGY & IMMUNOLOGY
UNIV OF CALIFORNIA (VET-MED)
DAVIS,CA 95616
 
NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY: Epizootic Bovine Abortion (EBA), or Foothill Abortion as it is often termed, continues to cause significant economic loss to the cattle industry in California, Nevada and possibly adjoining states. While the causative agent is unknown, a genetic probe has recently been developed that appears to identify pathogen-specific 16s ribosomal sequences of the procaryotic organism. This project defines the geographic distribution of the tick vector (ornithodoros coriaceus) of epizootic bovine abortion (EBA), and the extent to which it harbors the causative agent using this probe.
 
OBJECTIVES: 1. Develop molecular techniques for the identification of the causative agent of epizootic bovine abortion (EBA). 2. Geographically define the extend to which the tick vector is distributed in the western U.S. and determine the presence of the EBA agent in these ticks.
 
APPROACH: Our approach is to first refine our molecular probes for identification of the putative agent of EBA and further confirm its specificity. This will be realized by cloning and sequencing (genome walking) DNA that flanks our current EBA genetic probe. Simultaneously, we will develop a genetic probe for the 18S ribosome gene of the tick vector (Orithodoros coriaceus); this will be used to identify any inhibitory substances to PCR when probing the ticks for EBA genetic sequences. Upon completion of the above work, ticks will be collected from multiple sties in the western U.S. and probed for the presence of the EBA agent.
 
CRIS NUMBER: 0181878 SUBFILE: CRIS
PROJECT NUMBER: CALV-AH-183 SPONSOR AGENCY: CSREES
PROJECT TYPE: ANIMAL HEALTH PROJECT STATUS: TERMINATED MULTI-STATE PROJECT NUMBER: (N/A)
START DATE: Oct 1, 2000 TERMINATION DATE: Sep 30, 2005

GRANT PROGRAM: (N/A)
GRANT PROGRAM AREA: (N/A)

CLASSIFICATION
Knowledge Area (KA)Subject (S)Science (F)Objective (G)Percent
311339911304.220%
311339911034.280%

CLASSIFICATION HEADINGS
KA311 - Animal Diseases
S3399 - Beef cattle, general/other
F1103 - Other microbiology
F1130 - Entomology and acarology
G4.2 - Reduce Number and Severity of Pest and Disease Outbreaks


RESEARCH EFFORT CATEGORIES
BASIC 50%
APPLIED 50%
DEVELOPMENTAL (N/A)%

KEYWORDS: beef cattle; microbiology; disease vectors; ixodidae; animal diseases; epizootic diseases; bovine abortion; foothill abortion; ornithodoros coriaceus; disease diagnosis; molecular biology; population distribution; specificity; gene cloning; dna sequences; polymerase chain reaction; inhibitors; disease detection; insect collection

PROGRESS: Oct 1, 2000 TO Sep 30, 2005
A variety of different geographical areas in California, Oregon and Nevada, with varying types of vegetation, have been inspected for the presence of Ornithodoros coriaceus, the tick vector of epizootic bovine abortion. The greatest numbers of ticks have been trapped in juniper and pinion. Minimal ticks have been trapped in evergreen and none in sage. A representative subset of ticks from each area have been analyzed for the presence of the bacterial pathogen using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The percentage of infected ticks varied with geographic origin; males, females and nymphs appeared to be equally infected. No data was obtained that would suggest increased numbers of blood meals results in increased frequency of infection.

IMPACT: 2000-10-01 TO 2005-09-30 Is beginning to define the geographic distribution of EBA and the tick vector. Will also begin to define vector/pathogen interactions and possibly shed light on potential mammalian reservoirs of the agent.

PUBLICATION INFORMATION: 2000-10-01 TO 2005-09-30
Chen CI, DP King, MT Blanchard, MR Hall, BM Adlridge, L Bowen , JL Stott. Identification of the Etiologic Agent of Epizootic Bovine Abortion in Field-Collected Ornithodoros coriaceus Koch. Vet Microbiol, Submitted for Publication, 2006

PROJECT CONTACT INFORMATION
NAME: Stott, J. L.
PHONE: 530-752-2543
FAX: 530-752-0414