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AWARDS ARCHIVE

A historical list of past funded research projects 

Changes in Swine Fecal Microbiome and Resistome Associated with Herd

Introduction and After Artificial Insemination with Semen Containing Preservation

Level Antibiotics

$63,138

Determine temporal changes in microbiome and resistome in fecal samples of gilts after

their introduction into an organic herd and after insemination with extended semen

containing typical preservative-level antibiotics.

Dr. L. Brito

UPenn

Improve Speed, Accessibility and Knowledge of Animal Pathogen Sequencing

$48,855

Improving procedures for and access to genome sequencing of viruses providing critical

information about how these viruses change and spread.

Dr. R. Nissly

PSU

Develop Bed Bug Monitoring Tools for Poultry Facilities

$135,139

Provide practical monitoring tools that can be used by producers and could be used for

scale evaluation of bed bug control medications.

Dr. E. Machtinger

PSU

Effect of Litter Amendment & Enrichment on Footpad Health in Broiler Flocks

$11,573

Elucidate the effects of various enrichment objects as well as litter conditions and

amendments on the occurrence and severity of Footpad dermatitis, breast blisters and

hock burns in growing broilers.

Dr. M. Pierdon

UPenn

Mitigating Pain in Pig Castration

$183,230

Propose the development of an effective, practical and cost-efficient method to treat

castration pain in pigs.

Dr. T Parsons

UPenn

Genetic Diversity- AI After Vaccination Using Next Gen Sequencing

$48,411

Help define the genetic pressure placed on IBVs contained with vaccine. Findings will

address effective vaccinations and improve strategies for diagnosis and control of IBV

infections in chickens.

Dr. A Schmitt

PSU

On-Road Transport Equipment Biosecurity Reimbursement Program

$47,842
Provide companies with the proper biosecure equipment to protect farms from lateral virus

spread.

C. Hershey

PennAg Industries Association

Farm Animal Emergency Response- Certificate Program for Animal Shelters

$12,500

Provide a professional and educated response by animal protection organizations who

play a critical role in assisting responding authorities with sheltering farm animals in

emergencies.

C. Shelly

Animal Crime Institute, LLC

Justification for Small Ruminant Extension Specialist position at Penn State

University

$5,000

Assess the current scope of the sheep and goat industry, economic impact, and existing

PSU Extension personnel with expertise to support the industry. Provide justification to

PSU administration for hiring a Small Ruminant Extension Specialist.

Dr. R. Mikesell

Penn State University

2023 Sheep and Goat Management Calendar

$5,500

Create 2023 Small Ruminant calendars to include marketing advice and best

management practices.

C. Hershey

PennAg Industries Association

Disease Awareness- Public Information Distribution

$50,000

Create and purchase ad space in public engaging news outlets to inform the public of

disease threats, how to respond, and where to access more information.

C. Hershey

PennAg Industries Association

AI Readiness Response Supplies

$100,000

Equip Pennsylvania with Avian Influenza response supplies.

C. Hershey

PennAg Industries Association

Spanish Course for Poultry and Swine

$130,000

Curriculum creation for beginner and intermediate Spanish language courses.

C. Hershey

PennAg Industries Association

Educators Ag Institute- Ag Crate Project for Poultry, Swine, and Sheep

$8,500

Provide educator resources on swine, poultry, and sheep.

C. Espenshade

Friends of Ag Foundation- Pennsylvania Farm Bureau

Pennsylvania Sheep and Goat Quality Assurance Program

$84,533

Evaluate existing quality assurance programs to develop a set of goals for a small

ruminant quality assurance program in the state of Pennsylvania.

Dr. W. Fritz

Delaware Valley University

Influence of Vitamin A and D on Milk Quality and Piglet Health

$28,332

Conduct an applied research project that investigates the effect of Vitamin A and D

administration to the sow during late gestation on milk quality and immune function of the

piglet.

Dr. E. Hines

Penn State University

Swine Microbiome and Resistome After Insemination with Semen Containing

Antibiotics

$56,262

Provide empirical data that supports best AI practices for porcine producers in

Pennsylvania and provide a better understanding to agriculture's role in antibiotic

stewardship.

Dr. L. Brito

University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine- New Bolton

Assessment of Animal Welfare and Behavioral Impacts on Commercial Laying

Hens Infested with Bed Bugs

$20,795
Determine the effect of bed bugs on layer chicken welfare through behavioral and

physiological measures. Use free image analysis software, "ImageJ" for bed bug

quantification.

Dr. M. Pierdon

University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine- New Bolton

One Health Task Force

$2,000
Connect human, animal, and environmental health stakeholders.

Dr. J. Holt

Determining the Size and Scope of USDA-exempted Poultry Processing in PA

$109,213
Assess the level of disease threat and biosecurity issues surrounding small-scale

producers and subsequent extension programming to directly address concerns.

Dr. J. Boney

Penn State University

Deciphering the Role of Gut Microbiome in Reducing Haemonchus Contorus

Infestation in PA's Small Ruminant Herds

$89,500
Understand the role of Haemonchus contortus microbiome interactions in small ruminants

and identify therapeutic interventions to promote health, reduce parasitic burden, and

improve production and welfare.

Dr. D. Pitta

Penn State University

Investigation into the Cause of Pheasant Hepatopathy Syndrome

$49,486
Identification of affected and control of flocks, Metagenomics, and Electron Microscopy.

Dr. M. Lighty

Penn State University

A Simple Sample Locator for Poultry

$15,882
Create a simple chart-type tool to help professionals of the poultry industry to determine

which are the most suitable samples to submit to the diagnostic laboratory depending on

the suspected condition.

Dr. G. Lorenzoni

Penn State University

Evaluation of Vaccination for Egg Drop Syndrome Infection Using real-time PCR

Testing and a Commercial ELISA in Layers on EDS affected Farms in PA

$18,337
Evaluate antibody response to EDS vaccination in layer flocks and evaluate viral shedding

in EDS vaccinated layers using real-time PCR testing.

Dr. S. Davison & Dr. Anis

University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine- New Bolton

Establish a Secure Food Supply Program in PA

$84,760
Complete 150 food supply plans and provide cost-share opportunities for plan

development and installation of best management practices.

C. Hershey

PennAg Industries Association

SWOT of Animal Agriculture in Commonwealth of PA

$49,994

Dr. C. Gambino

Delaware Valley University

Surveillance and Genetic Characterization of Infectious Bronchitis Viruses from

Commercial Chicken Flocks in PA

$49,954
Map the geographic distribution of Infectious Bronchitis Virus strains across Pennsylvania

and identify high-risk regions for IBV.

Dr. M. Lighty

Penn State University

Avian Medicine and Pathology Residence Program at Penn State University

$138,794
Equip an avian medicine and pathology resident to function independently in a diagnostic,

technical support, research, or veterinary setting.

Dr. M. Lighty

Penn State University

Surveillance of Egg Drop Syndrome (EDS) Infection Using Commercial ELISA

$8,063
Conduct initial surveillance of PA layer flocks for antibodies to EDS using the Biocheck

EDS ELISA.

Dr. E. Anis & Dr. S. Davison

University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine- New Bolton

Development of a Rapid Molecular Typing Technique to Track Gallibacterium

anatis in Layer Poultry Farms

$30,000

Develop simple molecular typing technique to track G. anatis in poultry farms and identify

genes to understand emergence of antimicrobial resistance.

H. Lu

Penn State University

Expanding the Penn State Butcher School

$42,446
Conduct formal butcher training, including strong segments of theory and hands-on

experience.

Dr. J. Campbell

Penn State University

Field Scale Research Controlling Internal Parasites of Goats with Sericera

Lespedeza in PA

$10,000

Determine if AU Grazer Sericera Lespedeza can be an effective non-chemical, antiparasitic,

that combined with best management practices, can contribute to the reduction

and control of internal parasites.

G. Cauffman

Pure American Naturals

Poultry Bed Bug Surveillance, Identification, and Outreach

$81,636
Survey to better-understand the extent of bed bugs, verify identification, and outreach,

education, and training on biology, life cycle, and control measures for bed bugs in poultry

facilities.

Dr. P. Patterson

Penn State University

Screening for Egg Drop Syndrome Infection Using PCR & Commercial ELISA

$12,093

Validate real-time PCR for detection of EDS virus and commercially-available ELISA for

detection of antibodies to EDS.

Dr. E. Anis

University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine- New Bolton Center

PA Food Animal Processing Strategic Needs Assessment

$65,723
Identifying and connecting gaps within PA's Food Animal Processing industry.

Dr. C. Gambino

Delaware Valley University

User Friendly Veterinary Telemedicine Service

$99,979
Collecting and analyzing data on the capabilities and limitations of telemedicine veterinary

services specific to livestock/poultry practice in rural areas of Pennsylvania.

Dr. G. Patterson

VetNow

Improving Biosecurity within the Commonwealth of PA

$48,000
Piloting a biosecurity tool, "Barn360."

Dr. B. Mason

Country View Family Farms

Training for Disease Response in the PA Swine Industry

$95,700

Building the human knowledge base and local infrastructure needed to deal with a high

consequence disease outbreak in the swine population.

 

Dr. E. Hines and C. Williams

Penn State University

Establishing PCR Assays for Detection of Infectious Bronchitis Virus Serotypes

$84,152

Developing molecular diagnostic tests for the typing of avian infectious bronchitis virus

isolates.

Dr. S. Kuchipudi

Penn State University

Poultry Welfare and Production Medicine Fellowship at Clinical Studies

$174,979

Post Grad training for vet with interest in poultry to develop skills needed for diagnostics, animal welfare and industry connections.

Dr. M. Pierdon

University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine- New Bolton Center

Youth Biosecurity and Protection of Livestock Industry

$21,200

Target jackpot show exhibitors with need for biosecurity to protect all of Pennsylvania

livestock.

J. Darr

PA Pork Strategic Investment Program

Secure Pork Supply Training

$14,550

Biosecurity training to swine producers throughout Commonwealth - topics include

paperwork, disease, etc.

Dr. E. Hines

Penn State Extension

Depopulation Readiness

$22,295

Equip animal ag in Lancaster, Mifflin and Juniata Counties to ensure they have the

necessary equipment in the event of an animal health challenge.

Dr. G. Martin

Penn State Extension, Lancaster County

Capturing Newly Emerging Markets: How Best to Manage Post-Weaned Sows

$99,968

Evaluating the details of Prop 12 in California and how that would impact Pennsylvania

pork production.

Dr. T. Parsons

University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine- New Bolton Center

Strategic Analysis of Poultry and Livestock Health Issues in PA

$50,000

Comprehensive look across the Commonwealth as to what is needed for poultry, swine,

lambs, sheep and goats.

Dr. D. Wolfgang

Previous State Veterinarian/Penn State University

​​​​Assessment of Animal Welfare and Behavioral Impacts on Commercial Laying HensInfested with Bed Bugs

$20,795
This study added to the information available about bed bugs and their effect on laying hens’ health, welfare, and production to help quantify the total cost of an infestation.

 

Dr. M. Pierdon
University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine- New Bolton

​​Determining the Size and Scope of USDA-Exempted Poultry Processing in Pennsylvania
$109,213

The findings reveal a gap in awareness regarding USDA exemptions, which is partly due
to limited enforcement by USDA-FSIS and state agencies. Considering that small-scale
farms are spread across Pennsylvania, future outreach should focus on regions beyond
those with high poultry concentrations and reevaluate the risks to the commercial industry.

 

Dr. J. Boney
Penn State Extension

A Simple Sample Locator for Poultry
$ 15,882

A list was compiled detailing the most common diseases affecting poultry in Pennsylvania, along with the recommended anatomical sampling locations for each disease. Although sending the entire bird is often preferred, alternative sampling methods were provided for situations where sending the whole bird is impractical. This information, including disease details, sampling locations, and shipping considerations, was organized and given to a graphic designer from Penn State, who created a poster featuring these details and contact information for three PADLS laboratories.
 

Dr. G. Lorenzoni
Penn State University


Avian Medicine and Pathology Residency Program at Penn State University
$ 138,794

​The Avian Medicine and Pathology Resident provided important contributions to the
diagnostic service and outreach missions of the Penn State Animal Diagnostic laboratory
(ADL). His key functions included providing support to the Pennsylvania poultry industry
through diagnostic service, field investigations, and industry education. He has also
presented on ongoing diagnostic and research efforts at regional and national poultry
disease conferences.


Dr. M. Lighty
Penn State Animal Diagnostic Lab 

Poultry Welfare & Production Medicine Fellowship at Clinical Studies – New Bolton Center
$174,979

Offer a post graduate training program for a veterinarian with an interest in poultry that
develops poultry disease diagnostic skills, animal welfare credentials, and PA poultry
industry connections in order to facilitate the successful candidate to practice veterinary
medicine in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania after successful program completion.


Dr. M. Pierdon
University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine- New Bolton


Secure Pork Supply Training
$14,550

Biosecurity training to swine producers throughout Commonwealth - topics include
paperwork, disease, etc. Resource video available Preparing for Disease Response on
Your Farm (psu.edu)


Dr. E. Hines
Penn State Extension


Evaluation of Vaccination for Egg Drop Syndrome Infection using Real Time PCR testing and a Commercial ELISA in Layers on EDS Affected Farms in PA
$18,337

The goal was to evaluate antibody response to EDS vaccination in layer flocks using
Biochek EDS ELISA and to evaluate shedding in EDS vaccinated flocks using PCR
testing. The PCR samples were negative prior to vaccination and remained negative post
vaccination. These results show that the vaccinated layers do not shed the virus. EDS
vaccination has been an essential control measure on EDA endemic farms.


S. Davison & E. Anis
University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine- New Bolton


Establishing PCR Assays for Detection of Infectious Bronchitis Virus Serotypes
$84,152

Infectious Bronchitis Virus continues to be an important disease-causing production loss
to poultry. This study identified PA's most commonly occurring IBE variants and a two-step
multiplex PCR assay was designed for their detection.


S. Kuchipudi
Animal Diagnostic Lab, PSU


Farm Animal Emergency Response- Certificate Program for Animal Shelters
$12,500

Provide a professional and educated response by animal protection organizations who
play a critical role in assisting responding authorities with sheltering farm animals in
emergencies.


C. Shelly
Animal Crime Institute, LLC

Justification for Small Ruminant Extension Specialist position at Penn State
University

$5,000

Assess the current scope of the sheep and goat industry, economic impact, and existing PSU Extension personnel with expertise to support the industry. Provide justification to
PSU administration for hiring a Small Ruminant Extension Specialist.

 

Dr. R. Mikesell
Penn State University


2023 Sheep and Goat Management Calendar
$5,500
Create 2023 Small Ruminant calendars to include marketing advice and best management practices.


C. Hershey
PennAg Industries Association


Disease Awareness- Public Information Distribution
$50,000.00

Create and purchase ad space in public engaging news outlets to inform the public of
disease threats, how to respond, and where to access more information.


C. Hershey
PennAg Industries Association


AI Readiness Response Supplies
$100,000

Equip Pennsylvania with Avian Influenza response supplies.
 

C. Hershey
PennAg Industries Association


Spanish Course for Poultry and Swine
$130,000
Curriculum creation for beginner and intermediate Spanish language courses.


C. Hershey
PennAg Industries Association

 

Educators Ag Institute- Ag Crate Project for Poultry, Swine, and Sheep
$8,500

Provide educator resources on swine, poultry, and sheep.


C. Espenshade
Friends of Ag Foundation- Pennsylvania Farm Bureau


Pennsylvania Sheep and Goat Quality Assurance Program
$84,533

Evaluate existing quality assurance programs to develop a set of goals for a small
ruminant quality assurance program in the state of Pennsylvania.


Dr. W. Fritz
Delaware Valley University


Influence of Vitamin A and D on Milk Quality and Piglet Health
$28,332

Conduct an applied research project that investigates the effect of Vitamin A and D
administration to the sow during late gestation on milk quality and immune function of the
piglet.


Dr. E. Hines
Penn State University

 

Swine Microbiome and Resistome After Insemination with Semen Containing
Antibiotics

$56,262
Provide empirical data that supports best AI practices for porcine producers in
Pennsylvania and provide a better understanding to agriculture's role in antibiotic
stewardship.

Dr. L. Brito
University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine- New Bolton

Assessment of Animal Welfare and Behavioral Impacts on Commercial Laying
Hens Infested with Bed Bugs

$20,795
Determine the effect of bed bugs on layer chicken welfare through behavioral and
physiological measures. Use free image analysis software, "ImageJ" for bed bug
quantification.

Dr. M. Pierdon
University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine- New Bolton

 

One Health Task Force
$2,000

Connect human, animal, and environmental health stakeholders.
 

Dr. J. Holt


Determining the Size and Scope of USDA Exempted Poultry Processing in PA
$109,213
Assess the level of disease threat and biosecurity issues surrounding small-scale
producers and subsequent extension programming to directly address concerns.


Dr. J. Boney
Penn State University

 


Deciphering the Role of Gut Microbiome in Reducing Haemonchus Contorus
Infestation in PA's Small Ruminant Herds

$89,500

Understand the role of Haemonchus contortus microbiome interactions in small ruminants
and identify therapeutic interventions to promote health, reduce parasitic burden, and
improve production and welfare.


Dr. D. Pitta
Penn State University


Investigation into the Cause of Pheasant Hepatopathy Syndrome
$49,486

Identification of affected and control of flocks, Metagenomics, and Electron Microscopy.


Dr. M. Lighty
Penn State University


A Simple Sample Locator for Poultry
$15,882

Create a simple chart-type tool to help professionals of the poultry industry to determine
which are the most suitable samples to submit to the diagnostic laboratory depending on
the suspected condition.


Dr. G. Lorenzoni
Penn State University

 

Evaluation of Vaccination for Egg Drop Syndrome Infection Using Real-time PCR
Testing and a Commercial ELISA in Layers on EDS-affected Farms in PA

$18,337
Evaluate antibody response to EDS vaccination in layer flocks and evaluate viral shedding
in EDS vaccinated layers using real-time PCR testing.

Dr. S. Davison & Dr. Anis
University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine- New Bolton

Establish a Secure Food Supply Program in PA
$84,760
Complete 150 food supply plans and provide cost-share opportunities for plan
development and installation of best management practices.

C. Hershey
PennAg Industries Association

 

SWOT of Animal Agriculture in Commonwealth of PA
$49,994


Dr. C. Gambino
Delaware Valley University


Surveillance and Genetic Characterization of Infectious Bronchitis Viruses from
Commercial Chicken Flocks in PA

$49,954

Map the geographic distribution of Infectious Bronchitis Virus strains across Pennsylvania
and identify high-risk regions for IBV.


Dr. M. Lighty
Penn State University


Avian Medicine and Pathology Residence Program at Penn State University
$138,794

Equip an avian medicine and pathology resident to function independently in a diagnostic,
technical support, research, or veterinary setting.


Dr. M. Lighty
Penn State University

 

Surveillance of Egg Drop Syndrome (EDS) Infection Using Commercial ELISA
$8,063

Conduct initial surveillance of PA layer flocks for antibodies to EDS using the Biocheck
EDS ELISA.


Dr. E. Anis & Dr. S. Davison
University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine- New Bolton


Development of a Rapid Molecular Typing Technique to Track Gallibacterium
anatis in Layer Poultry Farms

$30,000

Develop simple molecular typing technique to track G. anatis in poultry farms and identify
genes to understand emergence of antimicrobial resistance.


H. Lu
Penn State University


Expanding the Penn State Butcher School
$42,446

Conduct formal butcher training, including strong segments of theory and hands-on
experience.


Dr. J. Campbell
Penn State University

 

Field Scale Research Controlling Internal Parasites of Goats with Sericera
Lespedeza in PA

$10,000

Determine if AU Grazer Sericera Lespedeza can be an effective non-chemical, antiparasitic,
that combined with best management practices, can contribute to the reduction
and control of internal parasites.


G. Cauffman
Pure American Naturals


Poultry Bed Bug Surveillance, Identification, and Outreach
$81,636

Survey to better-understand the extent of bed bugs, verify identification, and outreach,
education, and training on biology, life cycle, and control measures for bed bugs in poultry
facilities.


Dr. P. Patterson
Penn State University

 

Screening for Egg Drop Syndrome Infection Using PCR & Commercial ELISA
$12,093

Validate real-time PCR for detection of EDS virus and commercially-available ELISA for
detection of antibodies to EDS.


Dr. E. Anis
University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine- New Bolton Center


PA Food Animal Processing Strategic Needs Assessment
$65,723
Identifying and connecting gaps within PA's Food Animal Processing industry.


Dr. C. Gambino
Delaware Valley University


User Friendly Veterinary Telemedicine Service
$99,979

Collecting and analyzing data on the capabilities and limitations of telemedicine veterinary
services specific to livestock/poultry practice in rural areas of Pennsylvania.


Dr. G. Patterson
VetNow


Improving Biosecurity within the Commonwealth of PA
$48,000

Piloting a biosecurity tool, "Barn360."
 

Dr. B. Mason
Country View Family Farms

 

Training for Disease Response in the PA Swine Industry
$95,700

Building the human knowledge base and local infrastructure needed to deal with a high
consequence disease outbreak in the swine population.


Dr. E. Hines and C. Williams
Penn State University


Establishing PCR Assays for Detection of Infectious Bronchitis Virus Serotypes
$84,152

Developing molecular diagnostic tests for the typing of avian infectious bronchitis virus
isolates.


Dr. S. Kuchipudi
Penn State University


Poultry Welfare and Production Medicine Fellowship at Clinical Studies
$174,979

Post Grad training for vet with interest in poultry to develop skills needed for diagnostics,
animal welfare and industry connections.


Dr. M. Pierdon
University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine- New Bolton Center


Youth Biosecurity and Protection of Livestock Industry
$21,200

Target jackpot show exhibitors with need for biosecurity to protect all of Pennsylvania
livestock.


J. Darr
PA Pork Strategic Investment Program


Secure Pork Supply Training
$14,550

Biosecurity training to swine producers throughout Commonwealth - topics include
paperwork, disease, etc.


Dr. E. Hines
Penn State Extension


Depopulation Readiness
$22,295

Equip animal ag in Lancaster, Mifflin and Juniata Counties to ensure they have the
necessary equipment in the event of an animal health challenge.


Dr. G. Martin
Penn State Extension, Lancaster County

 

Capturing Newly Emerging Markets: How Best to Manage Post-Weaned Sows
$99,968

Evaluating the details of Prop 12 in California and how that would impact Pennsylvania
pork production.


Dr. T. Parsons
University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine- New Bolton Center


Strategic Analysis of Poultry and Livestock Health Issues in PA
$50,000

Comprehensive look across the Commonwealth as to what is needed for poultry, swine,
lambs, sheep and goats.

 

Dr. D. Wolfgang
Previous State Veterinarian/Penn State University




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