Skip to main content
ARS Home » Plains Area » Manhattan, Kansas » Center for Grain and Animal Health Research » ABADRU » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #250341
Title: The Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Laboratory: Research Program Update and Current Status

Author
item Drolet, Barbara
item Bennett, Kristine
item Mecham, James
item Miller, Myrna
item Wilson, William

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/12/2009
Publication Date: 8/1/2010
Citation: Drolet, B.S., Bennett, K.E., Mecham, J.O., Miller, M.M., Wilson, W.C. 2010. The Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Laboratory: Research Program Update and Current Status. Meeting Abstract. 187-189.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The mission of the Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Laboratory (ABADRL) located in Laramie, Wyoming, is to solve major endemic, emerging, and exotic arthropod-borne disease problems in U.S. livestock. The ABADRL 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) and require high containment facilities, which are not available at ABADRL’s current location. Research progress to date for RVFV includes vector competence studies for wild type virus, animal infection model studies for both wild type and vaccine strains, production of BSL-2 anti-RVFV antisera derived from expressed viral proteins, and the development of BSL-2 diagnostic assays including ELISA and immunohistochemistry. Research progress to date for BTV and VSV includes in vitro studies to determine the role of Culicoides salivary proteins on establishment of VSV infection and interferon production in porcine cells, molecular analysis of bovine membrane proteins, and the cloning and expression of BTV attachment proteins. Additionally, white-tailed deer are being hand reared and weaned in preparation of the EU-BTV-8 infection study. To accomplish the continuing BSL-3 inclusive research mission, the U.S. Senate recently made the decision to relocate the ABADRL to Manhattan, KS following an extensive analysis by ARS involving four relocation sites. The relocation must be completed by the end of FY2010. The ABADRL will be housed with four other ARS research units at the Center for Grain and Animal Health Research (CGAHR) formerly the Grain Marketing & Production Research Center, and will conduct BSL-2 research in that facility. The ABADRL will conduct BSL-3 laboratory, insect, small animal and large animal research in high containment facilities owned by Kansas State University. The ABADRL currently has 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.