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Principal Investigator: Dr. Yung-Fu Chang
Contact Information: E-mail: yc42@cornell.edu - Phone: 607-253-3943
Sponsor: USDA-University of Minnesota (Subcontract Agreement)
Grant Number: Q6286224401 (CC3)
Title: Development of a Mouse Model to Evaluate the Protective Efficacy of DNA/Recombinant Vaccine of MAP Infection
Annual Direct Cost: $34,020
Project Period: 04/15/06-04/14/07
Summary: A leading cause of economic loss in the cattle industry is Johne's disease (paratuberculosis) caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis. Paratuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease of domestic and exotic ruminants, including dairy and beef cattle, sheep, goats, cervids, and camelids. The organism is a slow-growing bacterium that causes thickening of the intestinal wall, which reduces absorptive capability. This disease is characterized by chronic, granulomatous enteritis with intermittent but persistent diarrhea, progressive weight loss, and eventually death. Since Johne's disease is untreatable, and cannot be accurately diagnosed in early stages of infection, an effective vaccine is urgently needed to aid in the control this serious ruminant health problem.
Our long-range goal is to provide a molecular basis for the development of a DNA/recombinant vaccine that would aid in the prevention and control of this disease caused by M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis in cattle, goat and sheep.
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