Mycoplasmopsis bovis Genome sequencing

Mycoplasma bovis has recently emerged as an important pathogen in farmed bison, causing severe respiratory and reproductive disease and high mortality. While M. bovis is generally a chronic, secondary pathogen in cattle, it appears to be a primary pathogen in bison. Genotyping methods that classify isolates on the basis of partial DNA sequences from housekeeping genes suggest bison isolates are genetically distinct from cattle isolates. The primary objective of this project is to sequence the genomes of bison isolates representing all genotypes so far identified in bison for comparison with genome sequences obtained from cattle isolates. The ultimate goal of the work 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.