Virus study gets $3.5M to investigate animal commingling events

By Scout Nelson

The University of Minnesota, in partnership with various academic institutions, has secured a $3.5 million grant to probe into the transmission of viruses among animals. Spearheading this endeavor is Dr. Noelle Noyes from the College of Veterinary Medicine. The funds are courtesy of the USDA-NIFA, the National Science Foundation, and the BBSRC.

Dr. Noyes' team, collaborating with experts from Texas A&M, Mississippi State University, and the University of Liverpool, will delve into the reasons why some animals fall prey to viruses while others remain unscathed during commingling, which are gatherings of animals from different backgrounds. They will observe cattle and a particular coronavirus to trace the infection's progression.

These studies gain momentum from the wake-up call of the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing the global stakes tied to disease transmission during such events. Commingling, inherent to certain animal husbandry practices, is identified as a high-risk activity for disease spread due to the associated stress and increased exposure to pathogens.

The research will utilize cutting-edge metagenomic sequencing and immunological assessments combined with sophisticated modeling techniques. Their goal is to establish foundational principles of infectious disease movement during these high-contact animal gatherings. This research is set to impact livestock management immediately and contribute to the broader scientific dialogue on viral behaviors.

Dr. Joe Neary, leading the UK segment of the study, emphasizes the potential benefits for calf rearing practices. Concurrently, Dr. Noyes highlights the novel approach of integrating microbiome studies into population-level virus transmission models, aiming to map out how community-level microbiome changes can sway the spread of pathogens.

This initiative is not just crucial for the agricultural community but also vital in enhancing the overall scientific discourse on infectious diseases.

Photo Credit - university-of-minnesota