Ling Jin
Oregon State University
Investigate the RNA Sequence and Virulence Factors of a New Strain of Corona Virus in Alpaca
9/01/05 - 8/31/06
Total funding -  $14,506.00

 

Camelid coronavirus is a rencently discovered virus and has been linked to outbreaks of diarrhea in alpaca adults and crias.  Little is known about this virus, such as whether it is related to other animal coronaviruses, whether tests available for those viruses will also detect camelid coronavirus, or whether vaccines developed against other animal coronaviruses will also protect against camelid coronavirus.  Currently, diagnosis is a difficult affair that can only be done at specialty laboratories, and all vaccine recommendations are unsubstantiated by scientific proof.  The goal of this project is to investigate the basic characteristics of camelid coronavirus, with the ultimate goal of eventually developing more convenient diagnostic tests and more effective preventative strategies in the future.