The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine

Georgia Veterinary Scholar Program

Georgia Veterinary Scholar	Faculty Mentor

Tawni Pryor University of Georgia Class of 2006	Dr. Corrie Brown

Identification of foot-and-mouth disease receptors in ruminants

Foot-and-mouth disease is the most economically important disease of livestock in the world. It affects all cloven-hoofed animals, including wildlife. Recent outbreaks around the world have underscored the potential for this disease to cause massive mortality. Control mechanisms to date, other than extensive slaughter, have been ineffective. Novel vaccines would be very helpful. In order to make a useful vaccine, knowledge about the cell receptors for the virus is essential. Recent research has determined the receptor on susceptible bovine cellular receptor. In this study, we will examine a variety of bovine tissues to determine the range of cells displaying the designated receptor. If time permits, we will extend our research to explore the presence of receptors on tissues from North American species of deer.