Coughing Conundrums with Dr. Cheryl Waldner: Animal Health Insights, Ep. 2, Feb. 3 2021

Genomic testing may be the future of respiratory disease management - Dr. Cheryl Waldner outlines a project investigating use of genomic tests to gain a timely pen-level risk assessment, allow for targeted use of antibiotics, and improve the health of feedlot cattle.

Diagnostic tests for respiratory disease are similar in both veterinary and human medicine, and many Canadians have now experienced the naso-pharyngeal swab procedure as part of COVID-19 testing. A common frustration when diagnosing bacterial respiratory infections in veterinary medicine is that sick patients need treatment before diagnostic test results are available. A new research project is underway to investigate how cutting-edge genomic testing can help to guide prudent medication selection, improve time to diagnosis and develop diagnostic strategies to improve calf health in feedlots. Dr. Cheryl Waldner, the NSERC/BCRC Research chair and lead investigator for Genomic Assets in Livestock at the University of Saskatchewan, reviews highlights of this investigation, and shares how this work may assist in the global battle against antimicrobial resistance.

Links of Interest:

Genomic ASSETS ((Antimicrobial Stewardship Systems from Evidence-Based Treatment Strategies) for Livestock Research Project page

More information on Dr. Waldner and her work at the University of Saskatchewan

Photo credit: Christina Weese