KSEF KCF: Early Diagnosis of Fescue Toxicity

This technology will be an adaptation to veterinary diagnostic toxicology of the highly sensitive and specific drug/toxin testing technologies that we have developed, applied and successfully commercialized worldwide in equine racing chemistry [1, 2]. Addressing the matter of fescue toxicoses, we are developing highly sensitive and specific Enzyme Linked ImmunoSorbent Assays [ELISA] tests for ergovaline and related ergot alkaloids, and we will use these tests for high sensitivity screening to rapidly Identify at risk animals/herds. Specifically, we will raise antibodies to the ergopeptlde portions of the ergot alkaloid molecules, thereby increasing the specificity of the tests, a critical factor diagnosing ergot alkaloid toxicoses. Secondly, If necessary, we will use the "enhanced ELISA" format to further Increase test sensitivity. Thirdly, we will unequivocally confirm the presence of the ergot alkaloids detected/identified by ELISA screening data with our recently developed highly sensitive liquid chromatographic mass spectrometric [LC-MS-MS] methods for unequivocal Identification and quantification of ergot alkaloids in biological matrixes [3]. Together these technologies will allow highly sensitive, rapid and Inexpensive screening of large numbers of samples, and using the highly specific mass spectral technology, unequivocal Identification of the specific ergot alkaloid toxins and their concentrations in affected and at risk animals. Where possible we will patent protect this technology and we plan to optimize the economic return to Kentucky by holding this technology "In house" In Kentucky for commercial application across the United States, but we expect that, as practical matter, the technology will be licensed and marketed for application outside the US.