Al Ward, a University of Idaho microbiologist and professor of veterinary medicine, leads efforts to characterize and better understand these bacteria. The tests show Pasteurella strains vary extensively. Biochemical tests and DNA fingerprinting can Al Ward, left, and Glen Weiser research support scientist, examine DNA profile of Pasteurella multocida . Photo by Caine Center staff. Bacterial samples have come from animals in Alaska to Arizona and the Dakotas westward to Washington.
Bighorn sheep are among the bacteria's most notable victims.
Bighorns and other wildlife can harbor strains of bacteria with the potential to cause disease in their own populations as well as other wildlife and domestic livestock. The vaccine's effectiveness could also be enhanced to provide greater resistance to multiple strains of Pasteurella , the researchers concluded.