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Pennsylvania Center for Poultry & Livestock ExcellencePennsylvania Center for Poultry & Livestock Excellence
Pennsylvania Center for Poultry & Livestock ExcellencePennsylvania Center for Poultry & Livestock Excellence
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • RESEARCH
    • Project Awards 2025-2026
    • Project Awards 2024-2025
    • Project Awards Archive
  • Farmer Resources
  • OPPORTUNITIES
  • SUCCESS
  • PARTNERS
  • CONTACT

Awards Archive

A Historical List of Past Funded Research Projects

Home » Awards Archive

Changes in Swine Fecal Microbiome and Resistome Associated with Herd Introduction and After Artificial Insemination with Semen Containing Preservation Level Antibiotics

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

$63,138

Improve Speed, Accessibility and Knowledge of Animal Pathogen Sequencing

Improving procedures for and access to genome sequencing of viruses providing critical information about how these viruses change and spread.

Dr. R. Nissly
PSU

$48,855

Develop Bed Bug Monitoring Tools for Poultry Facilities

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

$135,139

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

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

$11,573

Mitigating Pain in Pig Castration

Propose the development of an effective, practical and cost-efficient method to treat castration pain in pigs.

Dr. T. Parsons
UPenn

$183,230

Genetic Diversity- AI After Vaccination Using Next Gen Sequencing

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

$48,411

On-Road Transport Equipment Biosecurity Reimbursement Program

Provide companies with the proper biosecure equipment to protect farms from lateral virus spread.

C. Hershey
PennAg Industries Association

$47,842

Farm Animal Emergency Response- Certificate Program for Animal Shelters

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

$12,500

Justification for Small Ruminant Extension Specialist position at Penn State University

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

$5,000

2023 Sheep and Goat Management Calendar

Create 2023 Small Ruminant calendars to include marketing advice and best management practices.

C. Hershey
PennAg Industries Association

$5,500

Disease Awareness- Public Information Distribution

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

$50,000

AI Readiness Response Supplies

Equip Pennsylvania with Avian Influenza response supplies.

C. Hershey
PennAg Industries Association

$100,000

Spanish Course for Poultry and Swine

Curriculum creation for beginner and intermediate Spanish language courses.

C. Hershey
PennAg Industries Association

$130,000

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

Provide educator resources on swine, poultry, and sheep.

C. Espenshade
Friends of Ag Foundation- Pennsylvania Farm Bureau

$8,500

Pennsylvania Sheep and Goat Quality Assurance Program

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

$84,533

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

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

$28,332

Swine Microbiome and Resistome After Insemination with Semen Containing Antibiotics

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

$56,262

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

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

$20,795

One Health Task Force

Connect human, animal, and environmental health stakeholders.

Dr. J. Holt

$2,000

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

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

$109,213

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

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

$89,500

Investigation into the Cause of Pheasant Hepatopathy Syndrome

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

Dr. M. Lighty
Penn State University

$49,486

A Simple Sample Locator for Poultry

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

$15,882

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

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

$18,337

Establish a Secure Food Supply Program in PA

Complete 150 food supply plans and provide cost-share opportunities for plan development and installation of best management practices.

C. Hershey
PennAg Industries Association

$84,760

SWOT of Animal Agriculture in Commonwealth of PA

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

Dr. M. Lighty
Penn State University

$49,994

Dr. C. Gambino
Delaware Valley University

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

$49,954

Avian Medicine and Pathology Residence Program at Penn State University

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

$138,794

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

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

$8,063

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

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

$30,000

Expanding the Penn State Butcher School

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

Dr. J. Campbell
Penn State University

$42,446

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

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

$10,000

Poultry Bed Bug Surveillance, Identification, and Outreach

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

$81,636

Screening for Egg Drop Syndrome Infection Using PCR & Commercial ELISA

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

$12,093

PA Food Animal Processing Strategic Needs Assessment

Identifying and connecting gaps within PA’s Food Animal Processing industry.

Dr. C. Gambino
Delaware Valley University

$65,723

User Friendly Veterinary Telemedicine Service

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

$99,979

Improving Biosecurity within the Commonwealth of PA

Piloting a biosecurity tool, "Barn360."

Dr. B. Mason
Country View Family Farms

$48,000

Training for Disease Response in the PA Swine Industry

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

$95,700

Establishing PCR Assays for Detection of Infectious Bronchitis Virus Serotypes

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

Dr. S. Kuchipudi
Penn State University

$84,152

Poultry Welfare and Production Medicine Fellowship at Clinical Studies

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

$174,979

Youth Biosecurity and Protection of Livestock Industry

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

J. Darr
PA Pork Strategic Investment Program

$21,200

Secure Pork Supply Training

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

Dr. E. Hines
Penn State Extension

$14,550

Depopulation Readiness

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

$22,295

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

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

$99,968

Strategic Analysis of Poultry and Livestock Health Issues in PA

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

$50,000

Completed Project Results

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

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

$20,795

Determining the Size and Scope of USDA-Exempted Poultry Processing in Pennsylvania

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

$109,213

A Simple Sample Locator for Poultry

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

$15,882

Avian Medicine and Pathology Residency Program at Penn State University

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

$138,794

Poultry Welfare & Production Medicine Fellowship at Clinical Studies – New Bolton Center

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

$174,979

Secure Pork Supply Training

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

$14,550

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

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

$18,337

Establishing PCR Assays for Detection of Infectious Bronchitis Virus Serotypes

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

$84,152

Pennsylvania’s Center for Poultry and Livestock Excellence

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2215 Forest Hills Drive, Suite 39
Harrisburg, PA 17112

Phone: (717) 651-5920

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8AM to 4PM

Jennifer Reed-Harry, Executive Director

Email: jrharry@pennag.com

Pennsylvania Center for Poultry & Livestock Excellence

Pennsylvania’s Center for Poultry and Livestock Excellence is a producer-led organization established in 2019 under the Pennsylvania Farm Bill, serving as a catalyst for innovation and growth in the state’s poultry, swine, and small ruminant industries in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

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