Development of biosecurity procedures to control and prevent Mycoplasma infection in dairy cows

Summary

The aim of the project is to investigate the pathogenesis of Mycoplasma infections on Australian dairy farms which can be used to inform and develop biosecurity guidelines to limit the transmission of this disease between herds.

Supervisor(s)

Dr Paul Sheehy, Dr Katrina Louise Bosward, Associate Professor John K House

Research Location

Faculty of Veterinary Science

Program Type

PHD

Synopsis

Mycoplasma bovis is gaining prominence in the Australian dairy herd as an emerging pathogen with significant implications for the health and welfare of cattle. The clinical manifestation of disease can be variable and may affect cattle of any age. While the current incidence of outbreaks is modest, isolation and culling are routinely utilized due to the ineffective nature of treatment options. Consequently, the disease has a profound financial impact on affected properties and is a significant risk for farms that inadvertently purchase culled cows. Following the successful development of molecular diagnostic techniques for the detection of Mycoplasma bovis by this laboratory, the aim of this project is to utilize these and other analyses to further understand the disease process and mechanisms of transmission. An important component of the project will be the development of sampling strategies followed by focused surveys of pathogen incidence in different age groups of cattle within both infected and putatively negative herds. We anticipate that the outcomes will include development of biosecurity guidelines to assist in limiting the transmission of this disease between dairy herds.

Additional Information

This project will form part of a larger industry-funded project and is based at the Camden campus about 60 minutes drive from the main Sydney campus. It provides an excellent postgraduate student training opportunity with potential to gain skills in molecular biology and immunological techniques and to interact with clinical veterinary staff to understand the diseases as it presents in the clinical setting on farms.. It is anticipated that the student appointed to this project will be a veterinarian or an animal/veterinary bioscience graduate. A tax exempt stipend of approximately $23,729 p.a. for 3 years is available with potential for a tax exempt "top up" dependent on the skills and experience of the successful candidate. Applicants must be Australian or New Zealand citizens or permanent residents of Australia.

Keywords

Mycoplasma, infection in dairy cows, control and prevention, biosecurity

Opportunity ID

The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is: 1660

Other opportunities with Dr Katrina Louise Bosward

• Q fever: How common is it and how can we best prevent it? Research to inform vaccine policy for Australia and internationally