My primary research interest is persistent viral infections, in particular the mechanisms of persistence and regulation of viral replication and gene expression in subclinical equine infectious anemia (EIA) lentivirus infections. EIA is an important disease of horses, and a good model for persistent macrophage infections by other lentiviruses, including HIV.  Macrophages are increasingly being recognized as crucial cell types in the pathogenesis and persistence of HIV and other lentiviruses.  Thus, animal models of lentivirus-macrophage interactions in the absence of other major reservoirs, such as lymphocytes in HIV, are important to help dissect the role of macrophages in lentivirus biology.

My laboratory is also interested in the mechanisms of pathogenesis and persistence of the lymphotropic gammaherpesviruses, in which we use bovine or bison infections with ovine herpesvirus 2, the causative agent of malignant catarrhal fever, as a model.  We are currently interested in viral gene products that lead to immune dysregulation and lymphoproliferative disease syndromes.

In the service area, I am the section head for the diagnostic bacteriology laboratory in the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory.  In this role I act as a consultant for infectious disease problems of companion and food-producing animals in the Pacific Northwest.  I am particularly interested in applying molecular biology techniques to addressing microbiologic diagnoses.  I also have special interest in infectious diseases of exotic birds and other wildlife, in particular those of birds of prey.  I serve as a consulting veterinarian and microbiologist for a number of biologists and wildlife conservation organizations. 

Publications