MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry as an Additional Tool for Vector-borne Disease Surveillance

This cooperative agreement encompasses two specific objectives: 1) To generate databases for the identification of various arthropod vectors of interest and the detection of their associated pathogens 2) To identify changes in tick populations from the U.S. To reach these objectives, the USDA will support the acquisition of a MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer, a Sanger sequencing instrument, and a technician position for a trained MALDI-TOF MS scientist.