The diversity of the cattle farming systems located in a region and of between-farm contacts are major factors influencing the spread, persistence and control of pathogens in a metapopulation of cattle. A modelling approach is adequate to represent such a complex biological system. The objective of the PhD is to model the spread of a pathogen in a metapopulation of cattle to evaluate control strategies at a regional scale relying on the management of between-herd animal movements based on herd epidemiological statuses. The application concerns the spread of the bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV), responsible for large economic losses for farmers. Control programs targeting BVDV between-herd spread have been developed by farmers’ organizations in Europe. The ex-ante evaluation of the efficacy of control strategies is therefore a major issue. The PhD student will model BVDV spread in a spatially explicit metapopulation of cattle, characterized by a density of herds of different types interacting via animal movements and neighbouring relationships. The French cattle network first will be described using graph theory. The stochastic dynamic model developed will account for the diversity in within-herd infection dynamics by coupling epidemiological models at the herd scale and a model of pathogen spread on a spatial contact network. The complexity of the resulting model will have to be argued given the relative contribution of between-herd transmission routes to the BVDV regional spread. Model predictions will be compared with the observations performed in North-western France under a range of control strategies.

For further information about this position, contact P. Ezanno (pauline.ezanno@oniris-nantes.fr) and E. Vergu (elisabeta.vergu@jouy.inra.fr). Application letters including a CV, research experience, a short statement of research interests, and contact details of two referees should be sent by email to both contacts. Selection of the PhD student will be done in May-June 2011. The position will start in October 2011.

SKILLS REQUIRED: Is required a master degree with a significant experience in biological system modelling or in biomathematics. Candidatures of students with a master degree in biology / ecology, epidemiology, agronomy, or applied mathematics will also be considered. The ideal candidate will have good computing skills. Proficiency in spoken and written English will be well appreciated.

SALARY: 1370€ net per month

Posted by:

Patricia Castillo-Briceño, MSc, PhD.
Marine Biologist
Ecuador - South America

Kodjabachian's Lab
Institut de Biologie du Développement de Marseille-Luminy
CNRS Université de la Méditerranée UMR 6216
Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Case 907
13288 Marseille Cedex 09
France

Tel: +33 4 91 26 93 58
Fax: +33 4 91 82 06 82
e-mail: patricia.castillo-briceno@univmed.fr

http://www.ibdml.univ-mrs.fr

$35000 stipend per year, 3 years duration

Managing risk: Studies of the biology and epidemiology of bluetongue viruses and their vectors in New South Wales, Australia

Background
Bluetongue infections of livestock are important for both animal health and trade. Bluetongue viruses (BTVs) have in recent years assumed a high profile because of unprecedented disease outbreaks in Western Europe, the Scandinavian countries and England. Higher than average temperatures are believed to have aided the infection of local midge species  that are widespread in Europe but not previously known to be competent vector species  by introduced serotypes. This situation could be repeated in NSW, where there is an interface between the distribution of BTVs and susceptible sheep and cattle populations, with further impacts on trade and the risk of disease outbreaks. It is important that the distribution of both viruses and insects in NSW are closely monitored using the most sensitive and efficient tools that are available, so that risks can be appropriately managed, the livestock industries alerted and control measures implemented.

Supporting project and supervisors
Meat and Livestock Australia, in conjunction with Industry & Investment NSW have recently funded a major project at Elizabeth MacArthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI) to develop new diagnostic tools for the rapid identification of insect vectors and for the detection of bluetongue viruses. This project is being augmented by the addition of a PhD student, jointly supervised by Dr Peter Kirkland (Virology Laboratory, EMAI) and Prof Michael Ward (Chair, Veterinary Public Health, The University of Sydney) in collaboration with Dr Deb Finlaison (Virologist, EMAI) and Adrian Nicholas (Entomologist, I & I NSW). This scholarship is funded by the NSW Centre for Animal and Plant Biosecurity – an alliance between Industry & Investment NSW and the University of Sydney to develop and apply cutting-edge science to address biosecurity issues.

Project outline
The first stage of the existing MLA project will develop rapid assays for the identification of midges. Prototype real time PCR (qPCR) assays, already available, will be validated by early 2011. The successful PhD candidate will be engaged to conduct population studies based on these assays. To date, because of existing technology, studies have been limited in scope and extent. These new assays will allow a range of planned, prospective studies to be undertaken that will advance our knowledge of BTV biology and distribution. Depending on the previous training and interests of the candidate, studies could include:

• Estimation of the number of midges in a light trap collection based on qPCR reactivity;
• Discovery of the overwintering mechanism of BTVs;
• Create models to predict the early expansion and spread of midge populations;
• Develop and evaluate systems to experimentally feed insects on BTV infected blood;
• Determine capacity of local NSW midges to transmit virulent, Northern Australian strains of BTV.

The candidate
The successful candidate must have completed an undergraduate degree in biomedical or veterinary sciences, have research experience (Honours or Master’s degree), good analytical and communication skills, and be prepared to undertake both laboratory and field-based studies. The candidate will be based at either EMAI Menangle or The Faculty of Veterinary Science Camden, with time spent at both institutions as required. A PhD stipend of $35,000 p.a. (tax-free for full-time students) is available to support this position.

Contacts:
Michael Ward, michael.ward@sydney.edu.au; (02) 9351 1607
Peter Kirkland, peter.kirkland@industry.nsw.gov.au; (02) 4640 6331

Closing Date:
30 November 2010

PROF. MICHAEL WARD PhD, FACVSc | Chair, Veterinary Public Health & Food Safety
Faculty of Veterinary Science

THE UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY
S122, J L Shute Building (C01) | The University of Sydney
425 Werombi Road | Camden | NSW | 2570
T +61 2 9351 1607 | F +61 2 9351 1618 | M +61 407 884 630
E michael.ward@sydney.edu.au | W http://sydney.edu.au/vetscience/about/staff/mward.shtml

PhD PROGRAM IN VETERINARY EPIDEMIOLOGY
Research program on Johne’s disease in dairy sheep and dairy goats.

A funded 3-year PhD program in Epidemiology in the Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College (OVC), University of Guelph, is open for applications. The program will commence September 1st, 2010, depending on availability of a suitable candidate. The area of study is epidemiology, disease modelling, and diagnostic test evaluation. The title of the project is “Johne’s Disease in Ontario’s Small Ruminant Dairy Industries: Prevalence, potential risk factors, and performance comparison of serum, milk and fecal diagnostic methods.” Faculty in the Department of Population Medicine and the Animal Health Laboratory at the University of Guelph, as well as the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, will be participating in the project. The research will study the epidemiology of Johne’s disease in the small ruminant dairy industries of Ontario, including assessing the utility and accuracy of various diagnostic methods. The research includes comprehensive laboratory work, fieldwork and statistical analyses, including disease modelling and test evaluation (latter using both traditional and Bayesian techniques). The candidate is expected to participate fully in all aspects of data collection and analysis as a motivated, ambitious and effective scientific team member. The research program is designed to encourage independent thought, emphasizing study design, data analyses, and development of strong written and oral communication skills.

Applicants must possess a relevant graduate qualification, and meet the academic standards for admission to the Faculty of Graduate Studies at the University of Guelph. The applicant should have a strong background in statistics and basic animal biology, with a keen interest in epidemiology and veterinary diagnostics. Competency in basic computer programs (e.g. word processing, search engines, graphics presentation) is required. Previous experience with statistical software packages such as SAS or STATA is an asset.

The stipend for this program is Canadian $20,000 per year, and opportunities to increase the stipend can be pursued, depending on the candidate’s academic performance. 

Candidates are invited to submit their full curriculum vitae (CV) and a cover letter with a statement of goals and an explanation of their motivation for applying for this project. Three (3) letters of reference will be required for the formal application. Initial submissions of a CV, cover letter and specific questions about this particular PhD program opportunity, should be directed by email to Dr. Andria Jones, Dept of Population Medicine, at: aqjones@uoguelph.ca or Dr. Paula Menzies, Dept Population Medicine, at: pmenzies@uoguelph.ca . The deadline for submissions is Friday July 30, 2010 at noon Eastern Daylight Time, or until a suitable candidate is found.

General queries about graduate studies in the Department of Population Medicine should be directed to Mrs. Mary Elliott (Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada; phone 519-824-4120 ext. 54780, fax 519-763-3117, e-mail: melliott@ovc.uoguelph.ca) or may be answered by visiting www.ovc.uoguelph.ca/prospective/graduate. 

A PhD scholarship in veterinary disease modelling is available at Department of Large Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Job description, required qualifications and application procedure is described here.

Regards,
S ren S. Nielsen

We have funding from the British Pig Executive (BPEX) to develop mathematical models of infectious disease in pigs. These models will include specific between herd transmission as well as within herd transmission (i.e. metapopulation models). The project will require close interaction with BPEX and the farming community to ensure that the models are relevant and useful.

Ideally, the student should be familiar with numerical methods and have an interest in infectious disease processes and have commitment to improving livestock health and productivity. A 2i or MSc degree is required. All EU citizens are eligible for this funding.

Further details are available from the supervisors to whom a CV should be submitted. Candidates will be interviewed. The studentship will remain open until a suitable candidate has been found.

Please contact:

Professor Graham Medley and Professor Laura Green

graham.medley@warwick.ac.uk and laura.green@warwick.ac.uk
Department of Biological Sciences
University of Warwick
Coventry CV4 7AL

Professor Laura Green
Director of Postgraduate Studies
Department of Biological Sciences
University of Warwick
Coventry CV4 7AL
Tel: 024 765 23797
laura.green@warwick.ac.uk
https://files.warwick.ac.uk/lauragreen/sendto