Investigating Survival and Persistence of Mycoplasma Agalactiae (MA) in the Farm Environment

The subcontractor will: 1. Assist development of an on-farm sampling strategy, real-time quantitative PCR and protocols relevant to both Sicilian and UK small ruminant farming practices. 2. Arrange, visit and perform longitudinal sampling in a model farm environment by placing M. agalactiae-positive animals in a controlled farm setting to define realistic sampling structure to identify likely key sources of viable MA in the natural sheep farm environment. 3. Arrange, visit and perform longitudinal sampling, for extended periods months in a natural sheep farm environment with associated laboratory culture and real time quantitative PCR identify to determine key environmental sources and assess persistence of M. agalactiae in that farm setting. 4. Perform follow up on-farm studies using including PCR to monitor viability in the previously identified positive reservoirs during a minimum of 2 different seasons of the year. 5. Arrange and undertake controlled quantitative experimental infection studies on small fenced-off areas of naturally infected farms. 6. Provide written reports of progress annually and contribute to final report as well as peer reviewed publications.

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