OUR WORK

Welcome to the Parrish laboratory

We are at the Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University. The main basic and applied work of the laboratory is concerned with the study of viral diseases of dogs and cats, concentrating on a detailed analysis of parvoviruses of dogs, cats, raccoons, mink, and other carnivores, as well as studies to characterize the minute virus of canines. In other studies we also examine Canine Influenza Virus, and Adeno-Associated viruses.

Our interests in virology are varied, but they include the analysis of host range control, receptor binding, antibody binding to viral proteins and capsids, cell biology of cell entry, and viral evolution.

NEW AND NOTEWORTHY

Canine Influenza Studies and Information

We are examining the canine linfluenza virus (CIV), a recently arisen H3N8 influenza virus that first emerged in greyhounds in Florida around 2000. The virus is now established in the domestic dog populations in some parts of the USA, and causes mild disease, particularly in dogs in shelters and kennels. More information on the virus and disease can be found here. We are now investigating the origins of the canine influenza, to determine the sources of the virus, its relationships with the equine influenza virus, and its evolution in dogs.

Recent Analysis of the Parvovirus Evolution and Capsid Structure

Recently, we have analyzed various canine parvovirus (CPV) capsid structures to define how they asymmetrically bind to the transferrin receptor (TfR). These studies showed that there are low molarity cleavages of the VP2 protein, as well as possibly some rare proteins that may be smaller forms of VP1. We have also examined the evolution of the viruses on a global scale, and have shown that the viral populations in different countries can be distinguished. Itwill be interesting to observe the future evolution of the virus and the spread of viral vairants..

Cornell Program in the Ecology and Evolution of Infections and Disease

We have been involved in establishing a program in the Ecology and Evolution of Infections and Disease, which includes a variety of faculty from throughout the campus. To visit the program web site, follow this link.