By Blake Jackson
University of Missouri researchers have made a significant breakthrough in the fight against bovine anaplasmosis, a devastating tick-borne cattle disease. Led by Roman Ganta, the team has created a genetically modified vaccine that has shown promise in protecting cattle from the disease.
Bovine anaplasmosis infects red blood cells and causes substantial economic losses worldwide. The new vaccine, developed through genetic modification of the disease-causing pathogen, offers hope for cattle producers struggling with this costly illness.
“I often receive calls from cattle producers who are excited about our research and want to know how soon they can get the vaccine,” Ganta said. “There is currently no effective, widely available, vaccine for the disease, and cattle farmers are very worried about the disease harming or killing their cattle. We want to help farmers in Missouri and around the world and are working hard to come up with a viable solution.”
Ganta's research is part of MizzouForward, a $1.5 billion initiative focused on faculty expansion, infrastructure growth, and student success. With over 30 years of experience in molecular genetics and vector-borne diseases, Ganta has made significant contributions to the field.
The new vaccine has been shown to provide protection against bovine anaplasmosis for at least a month. Ganta and his team are working to determine the vaccine's long-term effectiveness and exploring potential distribution to cattle producers.
Mizzou has a long history of tick research and has been instrumental in identifying and tracking tick-borne diseases in the Midwest. The university's Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory also plays a crucial role in assisting livestock producers with health issues.
This groundbreaking research offers hope for cattle producers facing the challenges of bovine anaplasmosis. As Ganta continues his work, the potential benefits for the agricultural economy and cattle health in Missouri and beyond become increasingly apparent.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jacqueline-nix
Categories: Missouri, Livestock, Dairy Cattle