Genome sequencing of Mycoplasma bovis from deer

Mycoplasma bovis has occasionally been identified as a pathogen in deer. Genotyping methods that classify isolates on the basis of partial DNA sequences from housekeeping genes suggest deer isolates are genetically distinct from cattle isolates. The primary objective of this project is to accumulate genome sequences from deer isolates to enable genome-wide comparative analyses. Our ultimate goal is to more fully understand the population structure and the genetic basis for virulence and host specificity of M. bovis, so as to facilitate the development of effective control strategies through preventive management and vaccination.