Genome sequencing of Mycoplasma bovis bison isolates

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 accumulate genome sequences from a variety of bison 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.