BACKGROUND
Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) is the leading cause of economic loss in the cattle industry with the disease being rapidly spread throughout populations. While BRD can be treated with antimicrobial drugs, there is a lack of adequate diagnostic tools to determine healthy versus infected cattle which can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant populations. In conclusion, a definitive testing protocol is needed to reduce economic loss and loss of life, caused by the spread of BRD.
SUMMARY OF TECHNOLOGY
Researchers at Oklahoma State University have developed a novel approach to decreasing the prevalence of BRD though utilizing bovine serum and extracellular vesicles to create unique protein profiles for diseased and healthy cattle.
Specifically, both healthy and diseased cattle contain their own suite of proteins present in the Extracellular Vesicles (EVs), that can be used as biomarkers for disease. This approach can be implemented to regulate new cattle being introduced, which is the highest cause of transmission, as well as in populations struggling with chronic Bovine Respiratory disease outbreaks.
POTENTIAL AREAS OF APPLICATION
- Agricultural uses as a diagnostic tool for Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD)
- Animal Health Insurance Providers
- Mass Spectrometry for protein quantification and characterization
- Veterinary Diagnostics
- Research and Development
MAIN ADVANTAGES
- Early Detection
- Improved disease management
- Improved diagnostic accuracy
- Cross-species applications