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Principal Investigator: Dr. Edward Dubovi
Contact Information: E-mail: ejd5@cornell.edu - Phone: 607-253-3900
Sponsor: Alpaca Research Foundation
Grant Number: N/A
Title: Genetic Characterization and Identification of Alpaca BVDV
Annual Direct Cost: $12,903
Project Period: 09/01/06-03/31/07
DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) has recently been identified as causing disease in alpacas in a manner similar to bovines. More specifically, the infection of a pregnant animal can result in the birth of a cria that will be persistently infected with the virus for life. This condition usually produces an animal of ill thrift which requires extensive medical care for survival. In most instances the animal will die in spite of excellent care. At the Animal Health Diagnostic Center, at least 12 animals have been identified that fit the criteria for being persistently infected. The virus for some of these has been genotyped and all isolates are of the same genotype. The implication of this finding is unknown at this time. The objective of this study is to do extensive genotyping of all alpaca isolates. This type of genetic analysis will provide data on whether this virus in alpacas forms a single "family" of viruses and also whether there may have been one or few introductions of virus into the alpaca population.
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