Applied Research Projects

Applied research projects have resulted in quick turn around answers in the following areas

Mastitis outbreaks on various farms (e.g. Mycoplasma, Staphylococcus. aureus, E. coli, Salmonella, etc.)

Accuracy of antibiotic residue testing

J5 vaccine safety, efficacy, and cost effectiveness: adult cow and calf

Adverse vaccine reactions associated with commercial vaccines and endotoxin content

Technology transfer of the J5 vaccine concept to provide a commercial product for the dairy industry on both a national and international scale

Identify and investigate problems associated with laboratory diagnostic tests for E. coli O157:H7 from on-farm samples

The first discussions regarding the adverse economic impact of regulatory efforts to control E. coli O157:H7 on the farm

Describe the economic impact and the effectiveness of selected antibiotic treatments for bovine mastitis

Developing and implementing Dairy-Breakthrough Management (Dairy-BTM) modules (milking parlors)

Developing real-time record keeping for animals and inventories of medicines, etc.

Examples of educational efforts for producers, veterinarians and students:

  • methods of mastitis diagnosis-treatment-prevention
  • antibiotic residue avoidance
  • public policy changes-directions regarding on-farm food safety
  • management procedures / practices in calf health
  • organisms that a dairy cattle harbor that may adversely affect human health
  • issues of commercial vaccine safety
  • Dairy - BTM applications on commercial dairies in Tulare County (Milk Quality, Animal Health)

.Participation in the development of a national training program for State and Federal Veterinary Medical Officers in Preharvest Food Safety Issues: E. coli O157:H7 focus

Development of the Dairy Food Safety Laboratory home page on the Internet (World Wide Web)

Development and implementation of On-Farm HACCP for mastitis control

Development of On-Farm Biosecurity strategies/techniques- Hoof and Mouth, Salmonella