Mycoplasma Task Force Updates

Updates

April 2024 - For more than a decade, Mycoplasma bovis — a bacteria without a cell wall that causes significant respiratory disease — has posed the most significant health threat to bison (Bison bison) herds across North America. Efforts to improve early detection, identify potential causes, develop vaccines, and treat outbreaks have shown limited success in bison through recent years. In October 2021, in response to a growing need to better understand and address Mycoplasma bovis in bison, South Dakota State University’s Center of Excellence for Bison Studies and the National Bison Association convened the ‘Mycoplasma in Bison Task Force’ to bring new focus and resources to the fight to address this serious threat. 

To date, the Task Force has accomplished the following: 

1. Provided necessary data to USDA FSA to assist them with their decision to approve bison deaths related to Mycoplasma bovis eligible through the Livestock Indemnity Program 
   1. Extension article
   2. New Release
   3. FSA Announcement
2. Since October 2021, the Task Force has convened quarterly meetings with 19 members from the U.S. and Canada including bison herd managers, federal and state agency researchers, university professors, veterinarians, Tribal organizations and bison association leadership. 
3. Research progress updates:
   1. Early detection
      1. Fevers and inflammation are useful for indicating symptoms for various infections and injuries. Infrared thermal imaging technologies are continuously becoming more affordable (≈$700/unit). A project at SDSU is developing a method to detect fevers and inflammation in bison using inexpensive thermal imaging cameras that plug into smart devices (i.e., phones and tablet) for bison managers to monitor for fevers while inspecting their herd anytime of the year. This peer-reviewed study manuscript is currently in preparation. 
   2. Diagnostics
      1. Nasal swabs
         1. University of Wyoming, Turner Institute of Ecoagriculture, and the National Park Service are collaborating on a project to evaluate the use of shallow nasal swabs vs. deep nasopharyngeal swabs to adequately sample the upper respiratory tract. This peer-reviewed study is currently in revision, the publication is forthcoming.
      2. Diagnostic test development
         1. Colorado State University, Turner Institute of Ecoagriculture, USDA-ARS, and the National Park Service are collaborating on a project to evaluate and develop new diagnostic tests including PCR (presence of DNA) and ELISA (serological test of antibodies present) to detect infection with or exposure to Mycoplasma bovis. 
   3. Intervention treatments
      1. Oral Drench Mineral Supplement Study
         1. In 2022, SDSU and the Turner Institute of Ecoagriculture are collaborating on a project evaluating the effectiveness of delivering an immune boosting mineral supplement to reduce morbidity and mortality of Mycoplasma bovis. Ultimately, this study was unsuccessful at reducing morbidity or mortality. 
   4. Prevention
      1. Vaccine Development  
         1. The United States Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service is concluding their initial study of a newly developed vaccine for Mycoplasma in bison. 
      2. Epidemiology
         1. The USDA - Center for Epidemiology and Animal Health, Agricultural Research Service, Turner Institute for Ecoagriculture, and the National Park Service are obtaining and analyzing whole genome sequences of Mycoplasma bovis to improve our understanding of how this organism is transmitted and maintained on the landscape and identify additional potential prevention measures to stop the spread of the disease. 

Currently, there are several additional project proposals focusing on Mycoplasma in bison that are either in development or are in review by various funding agencies. Later this June 2024, the National Bison Association and SDSU BisonCOE will co-host the International Bison Health Symposium on the SDSU Campus (Brookings, SD), supported in part by USDA-NRCS.  

The Task Force will continue to meet quarterly to monitor research progress of various projects and to monitor for any potential outbreaks. If you have questions, please contact the Chair of the Mycoplasma in Bison Task Force, Dr. Jeff M. Martin. 

Archived Updates

January 28, 2022 - The USDA FSA has announced that bison losses resulting from M. bovis are indeed now eligible for financial assistance through LIP, as stated above. Work with your local FSA office to file paperwork; notify them within 30 days of positive diagnosis and symptoms.

Full Story

December 15, 2021 - The USDA Farm Service Agency, Administrator Ducheneaux, has been working to reconsider its position on eligibility of bison affected with M. bovis for livestock indemnity program (LIP).

Announcement