Statement of Work.pdf

Statement of Work (SOW) Acquisition of Lactating Cows for as Laboratory Research Models in Pathogenesis of and protection against highly-pathogenic avian influenza virus in cattle

GENERAL INFORMATION

1.0 Scope of Work

The objectives are to evaluate if cattle are susceptible to an oronasal challenge with HPAI and if so what effects does the disease have and to evaluate if an experimental vaccine stimulates and immune response and if so if that immune response is protective against disease.

2.0 Background

HPAI viruses do not typically infect cattle, but in early 2024 an outbreak of dairy cattle on multiple premises with HPAI was reported, with virus identified in milk samples as well as other anatomical sites. The route of infection in the field is not well defined, and natural infection is likely to occur through the oronasal route. However, the distribution of HPAI in dairy cattle after experimental oronasal challenge has not been fully assessed. It is important to understand the course of disease and distribution of virus through the body following experimental oronasal inoculation of cattle to understand the impact on cattle health and milk production, as well risk to food products. In addition, methods (ie, vaccines) to limit the impact on cattle health and the amount of virus in the animal, warrant testing to provide solutions to limit the risk to animal and human health associated with HPAI infection in cattle

CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS

3.0 Technical Requirements for this purchase include:

• Breed – must be Holstein or Holstein Cross Milking Dairy Cows

• Age – 2-5 years of age at the time of delivery. Date of Birth shall be verified by

Technical Point of Contact prior to animal arrival.

• Animals must have confirmed calm disposition – animals will be held in containment which is stressful to those animals without a calm disposition.

• Cows shall NOT be pregnant (Open)

• Cows shall have a history of NOT producing more than 120# of milk per day.

• Cows shall have documentation to confirm NO ongoing mastitis or respiratory disease

• Cows shall be sourced from the same Tuberculosis Free herd and farm.

• Cows must be sourced from a farm within 6-hour drive of Ames to limit transport time of the animals on the trailer and allow for milking timing.

• Cows shall demonstrate no ring worm and no signs of clinical illness.

• Cows shall have sound legs and good eyes, no history of hoof problems

• A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection is required for all animals.

• Pre-Purchase blood and fecal will be needed prior to award of animals to confirm HPAI virus free status and to ensure no Influenza A virus antibodies are found.

• A visual inspection of more than 10 candidates will be conducted by an Animal Resource Unit Veterinarian prior to candidate selection to look at Body Score, temperament, blood and fecal collection for pre-purchase blood work.

• Source farm must have a quarantine pen that the 10 candidates can reside in after pre-purchase samples have been taken for 2 weeks prior to be transported.

• Communication with any possible vendor from the time of solicitation to the arrival of animals must be had between Technical Point of Contact in Ames and the possible vendor. This communication may include group or individual animal health status, housing and feeding information that could be subject to change within this time frame.

• The Technical Point of Contact and the funding unit may exclude cows prior to arrival that do not meet the SOW requirements.

• Animals shall be deliverable onsite in one delivery to USDA Place of Delivery address by March 3, 2025.

• Alternative arrangements may be available for USDA pickup if necessary.

• Qty: 10 cows.

SUPPORTING INFORMATION

4.0 Place of Delivery: USDA, 1920 Dayton Avenue, Ames, IA 50010

5.0 Technical Point of Contact: Denise Chapman: 515-337-7227

denise.chapman@usda.gov