ICASA and matching funders are awarding Pipestone’s Dr. Francisco Cabezon $277,344 to track antibiotic-resistant bacteria on Midwestern pig farms. He is testing pigs of different ages over time to observe how resistance changes as animals grow, and whether it is influenced by the timing and type of treatments. By understanding when resistance is most likely to develop, farmers can make more informed treatment decisions and improve antibiotic effectiveness.
ICASA and matching funders are awarding Kansas State University’s (K-State) Dr. T.G. Nagaraja $203,965 to investigate the bacteria that cause liver abscesses in feedlot cattle, a common and costly condition affecting animal health and production. By pinpointing the source of bacteria, the researchers aim to help producers better understand the cause of liver abscesses and determine novel targets for interventions.
Lastly, ICASA and matching funders are awarding K-State’s Dr. Brad White $592,274. White and a multidisciplinary research team are advancing 2024 ICASA research examining why some feedlot cattle develop deadly lung problems after getting bovine respiratory disease, and how to better predict which animals are at risk. Early findings from their ICASA project highlight patterns that could improve how the industry identifies and manages high-risk cattle. This award provides an additional year of research, bringing the total ICASA investment in the project to $3,039,222.
ICASA is a research consortium representing the U.S. beef and swine supply chains with a six-year success record. The consortium welcomes new participants to help guide future research and select and support projects. For more information about joining ICASA, contact Lauren Hershey at lhershey@foundationfar.org.