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Principles and Applications of Genetics and Genomics to Improve Animal Health Online Course

There is growing recognition of the role that host genetics plays on disease. Over past years there has been a significant shift in genetic selection programs to include genetic strategies to improve animal health. However, genetics are a topic veterinarians are seldom exposed to during their training years. This online class is designed for anyone interested in learning more about genetic selection and the application of genetic improvement strategies to enhance animal health. The course will identify basic concepts of infectious disease biology and provide an introduction to genetics and genetic selection, including the use of genomics in genetic improvement programs and the implementation of genetic selection for disease resistance. Finally, the course will focus on the application of genetics in the control of PRRS virus.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of the class, a student will be able to:

  • Synthesize the epidemiological and biological characteristics of an infectious disease
  • Explain the bases of a genetic improvement program and how a program works
  • Compare and contrast the various genetic selection tools and approaches and how they can be used to improve health
  • Recognize the limitations of genetic improvement of health due to the pathogen's biology and evolution
  • Explain genetic approaches to control PRRS infections

For More Information
Visit the University of Minnesota website for more information about the course, learning outcomes, continuing education credits, and course contributors.

Contact: Katherine Hagberg, University of Minnesota, 612-624-4230, ccapsconf3@umn.edu.