Genomic ASSETS for Livestock
Dr. Otto is the Co-lead for Genomic ASSETS (Antimicrobial Stewardship Strategies from Evidence-Based Treatment Systems) for Livestock with Dr. Cheryl Waldner from the University of Saskatchewan. Veterinarians and livestock producers need fast and precise information about disease in their animals. They need to know quickly whether the bacteria causing those diseases are resistant to the antibiotics intended for treatment. Calves entering feedlots and backgrounding operations are routinely treated with antibiotics to control costly and common infections such as bovine respiratory disease. Respiratory disease circulates through groups of calves in feedlot pens much as colds and flu circulate in classrooms of children. This research supports large-scale uptake of genomic tools and strategies to rapidly field-test groups of calves for respiratory disease and antibiotic resistance. We will develop a diagnostic support network and cutting-edge computing tools for the livestock industry to manage genomic test data, assess risk and inform therapy decisions. The result will be precision use of antibiotics—quick and accessible information for veterinarians to tailor antibiotic therapy for individual pens of calves, while minimizing unnecessary use of antibiotics that are important to human and animal health. Our genomics-based precision health strategy directly and immediately benefits livestock industries, animal health, consumers, and public health.