Improving viral genome sequencing in veterinary labs
Official title: COVID-19: Viral whole genome sequencing protocols for routine application at veterinary diagnostic laboratories
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10828998 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about making it easier and cheaper for veterinary labs to use advanced DNA testing to find and understand different viruses, so they can help keep our pets healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $83,734 |
| NIH project number | 1U18FD008004-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10828998 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include veterinary diagnostic laboratories looking to implement or improve their viral sequencing capabilities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in veterinary diagnostics or do not have access to veterinary care may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the use of next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies in veterinary diagnostic laboratories to identify and characterize viral strains. It aims to provide practical recommendations for selecting the right sequencing platforms and protocols that are cost-effective and efficient for routine diagnostics. By addressing the challenges of high costs and the complexity of NGS, the project seeks to make viral sequencing more accessible for veterinary labs. The University of Minnesota's veterinary diagnostic lab will leverage its resources and expertise to develop these protocols.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and timely viral diagnostics in veterinary medicine, improving animal health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been numerous studies on NGS technologies, this research aims to provide practical applications specifically for veterinary diagnostics, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rovira, Albert — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Rovira, Albert
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Structural factors linking minimum wage, COVID-19, and community violence
A long-term study will explore whether higher minimum wages and pandemic-related economic factors are connected to changes in violence in US communities.
-
COVID-19 healthcare disruptions and heart health inequities in NYC adults with multiple conditions
This project looks at how COVID-19-related gaps in care affected heart health in adults with several chronic conditions in New York City.
-
Modifying body fat to aid COVID-19 recovery through behavioral strategies
A study in veterans explores whether changing weight through lifestyle habits can improve recovery after COVID-19–related health problems.
-
Post-COVID Neuro-Cognitive Changes in Older African Americans
A study explores how COVID-19 affects thinking, memory, and daily life in older African American adults and what might be driving these changes.
-
How COVID school closures affected kids with or at risk for developmental differences
This NIH grant follows children aged 4 to 15 and their families to see how pandemic school closures impacted emotional well-being and parenting over three years.
-
Long-term COVID-19 effects in older Veterans and a rehabilitation approach
This project looks at how COVID-19 affects blood vessel health in older Veterans and tests a rehab strategy together with a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant to help recovery.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.