Publications Details

Molecular characterization of Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae Pakistan strain for the establishment of effective diagnostics and vaccines. Pakistan-U.S. Science and Technology Cooperation Program Annual Technical Report

Anwar Khan, Farhan

The primary goal of this project is to gather and analyze data supporting development of diagnostic tests and vaccines to mitigate contagious caprine pleuropneumonia in Pakistan. This disease of primarily goats and sheep is a substantial burden to agricultural productivity and survival of farmers and families in Pakistan. During this phase of the project, we have collected and analyzed (genome sequencing) clinical samples from a broad affected region in Pakistan. Preliminary results show that there are at least two distinct clades (variants) of the organism prevalent in different regions of the country. This information, combined with our planned efforts in the coming year, will help identify better methods to diagnose and vaccinate herds against this pathogen. Our vision is that this work will improve critical livestock health in Pakistan, and consequently economic and social stability.