Rapid Detection of Foreign, Emerging and Zoonotic Pathogens of Equines

The main objective of this proposal is to develop a panel of real-time PCR assays for the rapid detection of foreign and emerging viral and bacterial diseases of horses. Specifically we will target four foreign viral diseases (African horse sickness [AHSV], equine encephalosis [EEV], Rift Valley rever [RVFV] and Japanese encephalitis [JEV]) and three emerging bacterial diseases (strangles [Streptococcus equi subsp. equi], leptospirosis [Leptospira interrogans and other pathogenic leptospira] and contagious equine metritis [Taylorella equigenitalis]) in this proposed study. If real-time PCR assays are already available for any of the above agents, they will be compared for sensitivity and specificity. We will establish a network of collaborative arrangements with pre-eminent national and international laboratories, including those that are already active in this area of equine research. Once established, these protocols and reagents for the detection of foreign, emergent and zoonotic diseases of horses will be distributed to veterinary diagnostic laboratories within the United States (NAHLN).