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About the
AAHP Field Disease Investigation Unit (FDIU)
The FDIU, created in 1983, is a component of the WSU CVM Agricultural Animal Health Program (AAHP). Since then, faculty members have
traveled to locations of herd problems to perform field investigations
on problems of regional importance to agricultural animal producers in
the Pacific Northwest.
The FDIU has responded to needs from all over the Pacific Northwest and has conducted research investigations into
diseases
threatening the economy of herds in the Pacific Northwest as well as
nationally. Jointly
supported by the College of Veterinary Medicine and the Agricultural,
Human & Natural Resource Sciences, the unit works closely with the Washington
Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at Washington State University. Advice and
consultation on regional and national animal diseases and public health
issues are
provided to producers, practicing veterinarians, animal industry groups, and state and
federal regulatory personnel.
Most AAHP FDIU research projects
are funded through grants awarded by government
agencies and private institutions.
Teaching
Veterinary students accompany FDIU teams
during elective blocks in the 4th year of study,
traveling to field sites for investigations. Students are trained in the
general aspects of herd investigations
and population medicine, providing them with a basic understanding of the
epidemiological approach to solving herd disease problems. FDIU faculty
oversee a number of senior student research projects and presentations
that culminate in the required 4th year senior paper and
presentation.
Graduate
education is an integral part of many FDIU faculty's academic responsibilities.
Currently, graduate students specialize in epidemiology and population medicine.
In addition, FDIU faculty frequently present continuing education
seminars to practicing veterinarians, present their research at
scientific meetings, and attend producer group meetings within the
region.
Research
The AAHP
FDIU conducts research using hypothesis-based field trials to address
problems of regional importance to agricultural animal producers in
Washington.
Ongoing research includes:
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Investigations pertaining to the epidemiology and ecology of
Salmonella enterica on farms with the goal of developing
preventative strategies and mitigating zoonotic risks.
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Molecular biology studies of zoonotic organisms including Salmonella,
Campylobacter, Listeria, and E. coli O157. Recent human health
problems with E. coli O157 and other zoonotic agents of livestock
origin illustrate the need for more complete descriptive epidemiology,
determination of herd risk factors, and improved understanding of farm
ecology in association with the human food chain and the occurrence of
disease.
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Molecular epidemiology of antibiotic resistance.
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Research in bovine mastitis to identify transmission risk factors,
epidemiology, immunology, diagnostic strategies, and management of dairy
cow teat chapping and milking hygiene.
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Identification of plant toxicities, description of previously
uncharacterized problems, and the development of preventative strategies
including the relationship between pasture and plant conditions and
at-risk animals.
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Identification of risk factors for lupine-induced arthrogryposis
(crooked calf disease) in range cattle.
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Identification of determinants of neonatal calf mortality as it relates
to failure of passive transfer and on-farm management.
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