Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2008. / Title from title screen (site viewed Jan. 13, 2009). PDF text: vii, 268 p. : col. ill. ; 5 Mb. UMI publication number: AAT 3321565. Includes bibliographical references. Also available in microfilm and microfiche formats.

Thesis--Auburn University, 2009. / Abstract. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 75-84).

Thesis--Auburn University, 2009. / Abstract. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 39-44).

Thesis(M.S.)--Auburn University, 2006. / Abstract. Vita. Includes bibliographic references.

Thesis (M.S.)--Oregon State University, 2009. / Printout. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 54-58). Also available on the World Wide Web.

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a pestivirus that suppresses the innate and adaptive host immune responses. Each of the two classified genotypes (BVDV1 and BVDV2) has two distinct biotypes – cytopathic (cp) and non-cytopathic (ncp) – and evidence has suggested that cytopathic strains may disrupt host interferon (IFN) synthesis and IFN-mediated responses. However, inconsistent results examining ncpBVDV strains have generated controversy regarding whether they also exhibit this capability. The purpose for this study was to determine the occurrence and functionality of IFN-induced responses within the serum cattle infected with ncpBVDV2-1373. Specifically, this involved analysing the changes in both the serum levels of IFN-α and IFN-γ and the expression of genes that are classically regulated by these cytokines. Serum analysis showed that the infected cattle induced both serum IFN-α and IFN-γ during BVDV infection while PBMC analysis showed increased expression of genes that classically respond to IFN-α – Mx-1, OAS-1, and STAT-1 – and IFN-γ – SOCS-1 and SOCS-3. These findings are supported by temporal kinome analysis, which verified activation of the JAK-STAT signalling network within the PBMCs of the virus-infected animals. In addition to establishing evidence for its synthesis, results from this challenge identified IFN-γ as a possible indicator of animal mortality as analysis of its change within the non-surviving, infected animals was statistically greater than the levels of the surviving, infected animals. Collectively, these results demonstrate 1373-mediated induction of, and host cell response to, both IFN-α and IFN–γ, and the potential for IFN-γ to be a predictive marker for mortality during BVDV infection.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology / Robert L. Larson / Bradley J. White / Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is an endemic pathogen in the U.S. cow herd. The virus can cross the placental barrier and infect the unborn fetus. If infection occurs between 45 – 125 days of gestation, persistent infection (PI) in the unborn fetus is likely. Upon parturition, the PI calf is a lifelong shedder of BVDV significantly elevating the risk of viral exposure to non-PI cattle. Despite reports of significant production loss, many BVDV infections are subclinical and in some cases inconsequential. Our data has highlighted various factors potentially causing disparity in clinical outcomes following BVDV exposure including: variation of BVDV serum concentration among PI cattle which may influence the quantity of virus shed into the environment, preexisting BVDV immune (i.e. antibody) status among non-PI cattle, and the degree of stress experienced by non-PI cattle all may influence the susceptibility of disease. Additionally, cattle transiently infected (TI) with BVDV may temporarily shed BVDV thereby offering another source of exposure to non-PI cattle. Programs focusing on BVDV control and prevention consist of diagnostic tests to identify PI cattle, BVDV vaccines to reduce fetal infection and increase herd immunity, and biosecurity programs intended to prevent BVDV exposure to the resident herd. Survey work performed in Montana suggest that educating beef producers with regard to BVDV has significantly increased the implementation of these tools in order to reduce the risk of introducing BVDV to their resident herd. Despite the risk of production loss, the economic benefit of instituting whole-herd BVDV tests may vary due to herd prevalence. By utilizing Monte Carlo simulation, the current BVDV herd prevalence within the U.S. does not economically justify a nationwide BVDV eradication campaign. However, known BVDV positive herds and herds with an elevated likelihood (47%) of being BVDV positive displayed a positive economic outcome when whole-herd BVDV testing strategies were implemented across herd sizes of 50, 100, and 500 cows. The value of testing various testing modalities was dependent upon herd prevalence and herd size. These data suggest that veterinarians must critically evaluate the value of implementing whole herd testing protocols in U.S. beef herds.

Thesis(M.S.)--Auburn University, 2005. / Abstract. Vita. Includes bibliographic references.

Thesis (M.A. in veterinary science)--Washington State University, May 2009. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on Apr. 23, 2010). "Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences." Includes bibliographical references (p. 83-89).

Master of Science / Department of Grain Science and Industry / Cassandra K. Jones / Animal food manufacturing facilities need to evaluate biological hazards within their facility due to their severity and probability to cause illness or injury in humans or animals. Control of biological hazards, including Salmonella and Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV), in animal food manufacturing facilities may require a preventative control to mitigate the risk of the hazard. Thermal processing is an effective point-in-time control, but does not prevent cross-contamination during drying, cooling, and packaging/load-out of animal food. Therefore, it may be appropriate to sanitize surfaces to prevent cross-contamination of animal food during manufacturing. The objective of the first experiment was to evaluate surface decontamination strategies for Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) using chemical disinfectants to reduce viral RNA on various manufacturing surfaces. Concentrated liquid formaldehyde and sodium hypochlorite reduced the quantity of viral PEDV RNA on all tested surfaces. Rubber belting from a bucket elevator retained the most PEDV RNA, while the polyethylene tote bag retained the least. In the second experiment, surface decontamination was evaluated for Salmonella Typhimurium using liquid and dry chemical sanitizers on various manufacturing surfaces. Surfaces treated with concentrated commercial formaldehyde had no detectable Salmonella after treatment, and surfaces treated with medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) had at least a 4-log reduction compared to the control. The dry commercial acidulant, sodium bisulfate, was the most effective dry sanitizer tested, but had limited efficacy depending on surface type. Experiment 3 further tested the application of two chemical sanitizers against Salmonella Enteritidis on residual surface and feed contamination in pilot-scale mixers. Manufacturing sequence, but not treatment impacted feed and surface contamination of Salmonella Enteritidis. Specifically, there was Salmonella-positive residue in the batch of feed manufactured immediately after the positive control batch. However, no Salmonella residue was detected in batches of feed treated with either concentrated commercial essential oil blend or rice hulls treated with 10% MCFA. Low levels of Salmonella residues were observed from feed and surfaces manufactured after Sequence 1, but no residues were observed by Sequence 2. This data suggests that sequencing of feed during manufacturing can reduce Salmonella-positive contamination within animal food and on manufacturing surfaces, particularly after the second batch or with the use of chemical treatments. In summary, liquid sanitizers have been shown to be effective at reducing Salmonella spp. and PEDV contamination on a variety of animal food manufacturing surfaces, but application and practicality may be limited.