The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has announced $13 million in funding for research projects to improve animal health and to prevent both erosive and catastrophic diseases.
The director of NIFA, Dr. Carrie Castille stated, “The health of agricultural animals is critical to ensuring the U.S. maintains a safe and adequate food supply.” She added, “The research we are funding with these grants will create new knowledge and spur discoveries that enhance production efficiency and improve animal health and welfare.” Twenty-four grants were extended to 17 universities involving aspects of disease prevention, management and production of vaccines.
Cornell University will develop a vaccine to protect against swine influenza virus. - Texas A&M University will receive $625,000 to suppress Marek’s disease with special reference to the probability of emergence of new strains of the virus.
- The University of Illinois will receive $90,000 to undertake research on a protozoan parasite, Cryptosporidium parvum, responsible for intestinal dysfunction in immature ruminants. The organism is also pathogenic in wildlife species.