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ARS Home » Plains Area » Manhattan, Kansas » Center for Grain and Animal Health Research » ABADRU » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #262214
Title: The Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit: Research program update and current status

Author
item Drolet, Barbara
item BENNETT, KRISTINE - US Department Of Agriculture (USDA)
item MECHAM, JAMES - US Department Of Agriculture (USDA)
item MILLER, MYRNA - US Department Of Agriculture (USDA)
item Wilson, William

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/8/2010
Publication Date: 7/15/2011
Citation: Drolet, B.S., Bennett, K.E., Mecham, J.O., Miller, M.M., Wilson, W.C. 2011. The Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit: Research program update and current status. Meeting Abstract. Bluetongue Committee of the annual meeting of the USAHA, 2010: 158-159.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: To accomplish the continuing high containment research mission of the Arthropod Borne Animal Diseases Laboratory (ABADRL) in solving major endemic, emerging, and exotic arthropod-borne disease problems in livestock, the U.S. Senate made the decision to relocate the ABADRL from Laramie, WY to Manhattan, KS. The decision was the result of an extensive analysis by ARS involving four possible relocation sites for the laboratory. Relocation was initiated and completed in FY2010. The ABADRL became one of five units at the Center for Grain and Animal Health Research (CGAHR) and was renamed the Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit (ABADRU). The ABADRU is doing BSL-2 research at CGAHR and will soon begin BSL-3 laboratory, animal, and insect research at the new Biosecurity Research Institute at Kansas State University. The ABADRU has three 5-year project plans under two ARS National Research Programs; Animal Health NP103 and Veterinary, Medical, and Urban Entomology NP 104. These plans include research on bluetongue virus (BTV; exotic and domestic), vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), and Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV). Research progress to date for exotic BTV include a susceptibility study of white-tailed deer with BTV serotype 8 originally isolated in The Netherlands. Research progress to date for RVFV includes vector competence studies, animal infection model studies, production of BSL-2 diagnostic assays including qRT-PCR, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry. The ABADRU is rapidly recruiting to replace the scientific staff who chose not relocate to Manhattan. The ABADRU continues to have the highest level of funding in its history, thanks to additional funding sources such as Department of Homeland Security, ARS Office of International Research Projects, and the Department of State Biosecurity Engagement Program. Additionally, the lab has the largest number of national and international collaborations in its history, and continues to have a productive research program addressing the needs of our stakeholders.