Bridging Science and Agriculture: WSU Student Tackles Bovine Respiratory Disease Through Gene Editing

By Communications Staff, College of Veterinary Medicine
July 23, 2026

For the United States cattle industry, bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is more than just a health concern; it is an economic crisis. Often referred to as "shipping fever," BRD is the most common and costly disease affecting the beef and dairy industries, resulting in billions of dollars in losses annually due to mortality, treatment expenditures, and significant reductions in growth and productivity.

This summer, Hanna Meyer, a student in the Washington State University (WSU) College of Veterinary Medicine’s Class of 2028, is stepping into the front lines of this fight. Through a competitive summer research fellowship, Meyer is working under the mentorship of Dr. Jon Oatley to explore how CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology could revolutionize the way veterinarians and producers approach cattle health.

The Challenge of Bovine Respiratory Disease

Bovine respiratory disease is a multifactorial condition, often exacerbated by the stressors of transportation, weaning, and changing environmental conditions. While various pathogens are involved, the primary bacterial culprit is Mannheimia haemolytica. This bacterium produces a potent leukotoxin that targets and destroys the animal’s white blood cells, specifically the bovine leukocytes.

Once the immune system is compromised by the bacterium, the animal becomes susceptible to severe pneumonia, which can rapidly progress to fatal outcomes if not treated immediately with antibiotics. However, the reliance on antibiotics to manage BRD has prompted concerns regarding antimicrobial resistance—a global health issue that necessitates more sustainable, long-term solutions.

A Targeted Genetic Intervention

Meyer’s project is built upon a breakthrough discovery: a single amino acid substitution in the CD18 gene may be the key to unlocking innate resistance. The CD18 gene encodes for a protein that acts as a receptor for the M. haemolytica leukotoxin. By modifying this specific gene, researchers believe they can render the receptor "invisible" or resistant to the toxin, effectively blocking the bacterium’s ability to destroy the animal’s immune cells.

"The goal is to move from reactive treatment to proactive, genetic protection," Meyer explained. "If we can prevent the infection at the cellular level before it ever takes hold, we don’t just improve animal welfare; we fundamentally change the economics and sustainability of the entire industry."

Chronology of the Research Fellowship

The research process, while complex, follows a rigorous scientific methodology that Meyer has been navigating throughout her fellowship term.

Phase I: Developing the Cell-Based Model

The initial phase of the project focuses on establishing a robust cell-based model. Meyer is currently cultivating bovine cells in the laboratory to serve as a testing ground. These cells are genetically engineered to reflect the specific CD18 mutation. Once established, these cells will be exposed to M. haemolytica toxins to observe whether the genetic modification successfully prevents cellular death. This phase is critical to providing "proof of concept" before moving to more complex embryonic studies.

Phase II: Optimizing Embryo Electroporation

Simultaneously, Meyer is refining the technique of embryo electroporation. This process involves using precise electrical pulses to create temporary pores in the membrane of a fertilized embryo, allowing the CRISPR-Cas9 components to enter the cell and edit the genome.

"Efficiency is the biggest hurdle in gene editing," Meyer noted. "If we can optimize the timing and the delivery mechanism, we increase the likelihood that the intended genetic edit is successfully incorporated into the developing embryo without causing unintended damage."

Supporting Data: The Economic and Health Impact

The urgency of Meyer’s research is underscored by the staggering data surrounding BRD. According to industry reports, BRD is responsible for approximately 70% of morbidity and 50% of mortality in feedlot cattle.

• Financial Impact: Economic losses are estimated between $1 billion and $3 billion annually in the U.S. alone.
• Antibiotic Usage: BRD accounts for the majority of antibiotic use in the cattle industry. Reducing the incidence of disease through genetics could lead to a significant decline in antibiotic reliance, aligning with "One Health" initiatives that aim to preserve the efficacy of human and animal medicine.
• Growth Efficiency: Cattle that recover from clinical bouts of BRD often suffer from "lung lesions" that permanently reduce their capacity to gain weight and produce milk, creating a lifelong deficit in productivity.

Perspectives from the Lab: Dr. Jon Oatley’s Mentorship

Dr. Jon Oatley, a leading researcher in reproductive biology and genome editing at WSU, views Meyer’s fellowship as a vital step in bridging the gap between bench-top science and practical agricultural application.

"Hanna is tackling one of the most difficult challenges in veterinary medicine," said Dr. Oatley. "What makes this project unique is the focus on precision. We aren’t just looking to introduce foreign DNA; we are looking to use gene editing to refine the animal’s own genetic makeup to better handle environmental pathogens. This is the future of resilient agriculture."

For Meyer, the mentorship has provided an opportunity to refine her technical skills—such as molecular cloning, cell culture, and high-tech imaging—while deepening her understanding of the regulatory and ethical landscape of agricultural biotechnology.

Broader Implications for Veterinary Medicine

The implications of Meyer’s work extend far beyond the immediate goal of reducing BRD. The success of this project could serve as a blueprint for using CRISPR technology to combat other infectious diseases in livestock, such as foot-and-mouth disease or bovine viral diarrhea.

Furthermore, this research places WSU at the forefront of the "Gene-Editing Revolution" in veterinary science. As the global population grows and the demand for protein increases, the ability to produce healthier, more resilient livestock without increasing the environmental footprint of farming will be essential.

Ethical Considerations

As with any genetic modification technology, the research is subject to rigorous ethical oversight and regulatory review. Meyer and her colleagues are operating within a framework that ensures the welfare of the animals and the safety of the food supply. The focus remains on "targeted" edits that improve the animal’s natural health, rather than traits that would alter the fundamental nature or safety of the animal products.

Looking Toward the Future

As the summer fellowship draws to a close, Meyer is already looking at how this experience will shape her future in veterinary medicine. While her specific area of clinical interest remains undetermined, the experience has solidified her passion for the intersection of research and clinical practice.

"This fellowship has shown me that the role of a veterinarian is evolving," Meyer reflected. "We are no longer just treating sick animals; we are becoming stewards of genetic health. Being part of a project that has the potential to make a tangible difference in the lives of millions of animals and the livelihoods of farmers is incredibly motivating."

The journey from a laboratory cell line to a healthy, resistant herd is a long one, requiring years of testing, regulatory approval, and careful breeding programs. However, the work being done at WSU this summer represents a foundational building block in that process. By addressing the root cause of BRD, Meyer and her mentors are not only contributing to a healthier cattle population but are also helping to pave the way for a more sustainable and efficient future in global agriculture.

As the Class of 2028 continues their education, the contributions of students like Hanna Meyer remind the veterinary community that innovation—paired with rigorous scientific inquiry—remains the most powerful tool in the fight against disease.