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 Veterinary Pest Genetics Research Unit: Kerrville, TX
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ARS Home Plains Area Kerrville, Texas Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory Veterinary Pest Genetics Research Unit Research





- Saelao, Perot
- Food Animal Production (101)
- Animal Health (103)
- Veterinary, Medical and Urban Entomology (104)

Research Project: **Location:
                            Veterinary Pest Genetics Research Unit** Project Number: 3094-22320-001-014-R
                        
                        Project Type: Reimbursable Cooperative Agreement Start Date: Dec 1, 2022
                        
                        End Date: Jun 30, 2024 **Objective:**
                        
                        The goal of this project is to address the threat posed to the U.S. livestock industry by first sequencing and annotating a high-quality genome from field-caught ticks prior to informatically identifying suitable candidate proteins for potential reverse-vaccinology.  Recombinant antigens will be synthesized and screened for effect via artificial feeding apparatus using sera from vaccinated cattle. **Approach:**
                        
                        Task 1: Extract genomic DNA from H. longicornis ticks and egg masses provided by the Project Director in a quality and length suitable for PacBio sequencing.
Task 2: Ensure the genome sequencing (using the DNA extracted above and the PacBio Sequel II instrumentation available in the USDA-ARS Genomics and Bioinformatics Unit) is successfully completed as specified (at least six SMRT cells of data output).
Task 3: Synthesize at least five vaccine candidates using proteins identified in this study.
Task 4: Assay efficacy of the vaccines produced in Task 3 via stall trials whereby H. longicornis ticks are fed on vaccinated cattle.


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