Analyzing the spread of anthrax in farms in Pakistan and Jordan
Abstract
At present we have a very poor understanding of how Bacillus anthracis cells, produced during an anthrax infection, disseminate from a carcass into the surrounding environment. Although a very few studies provide some very useful information, they do not resolve several key questions: 1) do B. anthracis cells from farm animals that died of anthrax spread beyond the carcasses and 2) can farm animals have asymptomatic anthrax infections? Here, we address these fundamental research questions in farm animals in three agricultural sites in Pakistan and in two sites in Jordan, where anthrax is endemic, poorly controlled, and the spread of the disease is especially poorly understood. As a result, we will work in otherwise difficult-to-access outbreak sites and develop partnerships with scientists who might otherwise lack opportunities to develop positive, productive relationships with US scientists. Analysis of five sites will provide a robust data set that samples relevant variations in the spread of B. anthracis in agricultural settings. This study is relevant to improved biothreat surveillance and containment, key goals for C-WMD science and Thrust Area 6 specifically, as we will help to reduce a major global biological threat by collaboration with partners in Jordan and Pakistan.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Oct 10, 2018
- Source ID
- HDTRA11710050
Entities
People
- Adam Driks
Organizations
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency
- Loyola University Chicago