INCIDENCE AND PREVALENCE OF P M' hemolytica IN NEVADA SHEEP POPULATIONS'

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 INCIDENCE AND PREVALENCE OF P (M). hemolytica
IN NEVADA SHEEP POPULATIONS.

• Supported by
• The Arid Rangelands Initiative  
• Investigators
• Craig W. Beattie (Co-PI),
• Department of Animal Biotechnology, CABNR, UNR.
• Gabriella Brochu,
• Department of Animal Biotechnology, CABNR, UNR.
• Anette Rink (Co-PI),
• Nevada Division of Animal Industry
• David S. Thain (Co-PI),
• Nevada Division of Animal Industry.
• Terry R. Crawforth (Co-PI), Nevada Department of
  Wildlife.

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Purpose of the Study
This three-year study (7/1/2002-6/30/05) seeks to
answer two questions What are the incidence and
serotype prevalence of P (M). hemolytica in
Nevada desert bighorn (Ovis
canadensis spp) and domestic sheep
populations? This data will provide a baseline
for future studies that explore the question
To what extent does carry over or spill
over of infectious pathogens, including
parasites, occur between wild and domestic sheep
populations in Nevada. It is essential that
these questions be answered before we pursue a
testable hypothesis e.g. carry over or
spill over of pathogens between domestic and
wildlife species results in high mortality and
death loss.
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Purpose of the Study (Cont.)

• Samples from this study will also be extremely
  useful in future work that incorporates DNA based
  technology to
• Identify the differences between serotypes of
  P(M.) hemolytica degree of population inbreeding,
  
• Determine the extent of bighorn population
  movement,
• Assess the degree of genetic diversity between
  California bighorn and Nevada desert bighorn
  sheep.
• They also provide a basis for standard laboratory
  approaches to determine the extent of potential
  mineral deficiency, parasite incidence and
  prevalence in wild sheep populations.