Enteric pathogens in Small Ruminants: Evaluating the Animal and Public Health Significance of Escherichia Coli Isolates from Sheep and Goats in Virginia

The overall goal of the project is to understand the prevalence and diversity of enteric pathogens and antimicrobial resistance in small ruminants in Virginia, both of which are important topics under One Health.This information will help in designing preventative protocols and educational curriculum that can be used to prevent diseases, reduce prevalence of antimicrobial resistance and to protect the public from zoonotic pathogens.The two main objectives of the project are;Determine prevalence, diversity and virulence characteristics of shiga toxin-producing E. coli from sheep and goats in VirginiaCollect data on the prevalence and diversity of AMR in commensal E. coli in sheep and goats in Virginia and antimicrobial use and AMR awareness among producers and food animal veterinary practitioners