Pet food pathogen detection using nanopore adaptive sampling in metagenomics
Official title: Integration of nanopore adaptive sampling into metagenomic pipelines for enhanced detection of pathogens in raw pet food
Funded at University of Georgia · NIH-11529081 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new approach uses nanopore adaptive sampling to better detect pathogens in raw pet food, helping keep pets and people safer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $65,000 |
| NIH project number | 1U18FD008937-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11529081 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are veterinary diagnostic labs and researchers handling pet foods that might be contaminated.
✕Less likely to help
Owners of pets not involved in lab testing or untreated pet foods may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project will adapt a real-time sequencing trick to enrich for potential pathogens in pet-food samples, making it easier to spot contamination quickly. By integrating adaptive sampling into the metagenomic workflow, the team aims to reduce background DNA and improve detection of harmful organisms. The work focuses on practical gains for Vet-LIRN laboratories, with potential downstream benefits for pet owners and public health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this method could lead to faster, more reliable detection of pathogens in pet foods, reducing outbreak risk.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies have shown promise for real-time sequencing enrichment improving pathogen detection, though application to raw pet food is still emerging.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Georgia
Athens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mosley, Yung-Yi — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Mosley, Yung-Yi
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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.