About Us

Introduction

The Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit (ABADRU) is a part of the Center for Grain and Animal Health Research (CGAHR) in Manhattan, Kansas. CGAHR operates under a branch of the USDA known as ARS, or the Agricultural Research Service. Within ARS, a number of National Programs have been developed for protecting and improving the nation’s food supply and other agricultural interests. Of these programs, the ABADRU focuses on research pertaining to the National Programs of Animal Health and of Veterinary, Medical and Urban Entomology.

The ABADRU conducts research on the diagnosis and control of livestock diseases that are transmitted by arthropods. Arthropods are a group of organisms that include insects, ticks and spiders. Arthropod-borne diseases cause significant economic loss and pose a constant threat to the U.S. livestock industry. Many of these diseases are zoonotic, causing illness and sometimes death in humans.

 

Integrated Interdisciplinary Approach

ABADRU research focuses on the three components of arthropod-borne disease: the vectors, the infectious agents and the animal hosts. Projects are led by entomologists, microbiologists and veterinarians, respectively.

 

Research Interests

Interactions between pathogens, arthropods and animals, emphasizing molecular biologic studies of viruses and vectors, vector biology, vector competence, disease pathogenesis, pathogen detection, vaccine development, and disease epidemiology.