Accomplishments

MDA has it’s origins in JDIP, the highly successful USDA supported CAP program. 

JDIP enabled the development of a strong translational pipeline for new diagnostic tests, vaccine candidates, and strategies to manage, prevent and control JD along with a strong communications and extension plan including workshops, newsletters, regular conference calls, and an annual conference of JD researchers, all complemented by interactions with external stakeholders.  Some of our accomplishments include:

• A better understanding of on-farm transmission dynamics of MAP and identification of critical control points in the transmission chain;
• Development of alternative sampling and testing strategies for detection of infected animals and herds adopted by the national voluntary control program for JD and currently used by DHIA;
• Optimization and standardization of laboratory protocols for MAP culture and PCR, reducing timelines for rapid detection of infected animals;
• Characterization of genetic differences between isolates of MAP for molecular epidemiologic analyses and tracking of strains in infected animals and the environment;
• Development of standards for animal challenge models with MAP for evaluation of vaccine efficacy;
• Identification of key genes, proteins and lipids in MAP for development of next generation diagnostic tests and vaccines;
• Development of a novel pipeline for JD vaccine evaluation and identification of candidate vaccines in collaboration with USDA-APHIS and major animal health companies.
• Development and widespread use of an on-line JD veterinary certification program and courses for animal producers, and milk processors;
• Development of community resources including MAP isolates, serum samples and other clinical    material for validation of diagnostic tests, genomic microarrays, recombinant proteins, and mutant strain banks of MAP; and,
  
• Catalyzing a funding momentum that enabled members to successfully compete for additional external funding (from USDA, NIH, NSF, etc.) – and leverage additional support of program activities.