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Principal Investigator: Dr. Hussni Mohammed
Contact Information: E-mail: hom1@cornell.edu - Phone: 607-253-3566
Sponsor: USDA
Grant Number: 2006-35102-17356
Title: Managing the Risk of Cryptosporidium and Salmonella spp. In Watersheds
Annual Direct Cost: $103,464
Project Period: 08/01/06-07/31/09
The protection of watersheds continues to be a major challenge since it impacts source and finished water quality. Our long-term goal is to maintain the safety of drinking water and sustain the agricultural viability in New York State watersheds. To this end we designed a multidisciplinary integrated research, education, and extension approach. The focus of the effort will be on the waterborne pathogens Cryptosporidium and Salmonella spp. Our studies are aimed towards identifying internal and external sources of these pathogens that contribute to the risk of their perpetuation on dairy farms. This knowledge will be used to control the effect of these sources, and hence reduces the load of the pathogens on water derived from agricultural watersheds. The proposed complementary epidemiologic studies are aimed towards ensuring a minimal output of zoonotic strains of these two pathogens from dairy farms in the Upper Susquehanna Watershed. We will first identify farms where these pathogens occur. Secondly, we will conduct an in depth ecological investigation to identify factors that lead to the introduction and on-farm transmission of these pathogens. Thirdly, we will develop models to understand the mechanism(s) by which these two pathogens are transmitted among animals in the watershed habitat. Finally, we will integrate the knowledge gained in these studies into extension and educational programs to closing the knowledge gap in microbial water quality. This knowledge will assist the stakeholders in making risk management decisions to prevent contamination of watersheds.
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