research overview
My research program addresses the following specific objectives in the context of the introduction, spread, and control of communicable infectious diseases in both human and animal populations:
1) To determine the effect and relative importance of host heterogeneity, and contact network structure on the introduction and spread of communicable diseases.
2) To evaluate the impact and relative effectiveness of different interventions in community and/or farm settings according to the variability in hosts, network structure, and exposures.
diseases of agricultural animals
Equine Network Structure and Opportunities and Challenges for the Spread of Communicable Diseases
We are currently working to unravel the dynamics of a large outbreak of equine herpesvirus (EHV) in a population of Canadian race horses. EHV is a challenging disease in horses because of the possibility of neurologic disease and the biology of the pathogen which can lead to latent infections that reactivate in the future. We are working to complete laboratory experiments looking at the mechanisms of latency and reactivation in the hopes that this work will further contribute to our understanding of EHV in horses. In addition, the experimental data generated will be incorporated into within host mathematical models to explore the viral dynamics of the pathogen at the cellular level.
Key Collaborators: Julia Delaire (MSc student, Trent), Dr. Terri O'Sullivan (University of Guelph), Dr. Kelsey Spence (University of Guelph), Alison Moore (OMAFRA), Dr. Craig Brunetti (Trent).
Health Management for Dairy Cattle
To maintain animal health and consumer confidence, it is critical for the dairy industry to control emerging and endemic diseases. This requires better understanding of transmission of these diseases between farms and between animals within a farm. Building on our previous work in this area, these projects will advance understanding of the spread and control of infectious diseases, especially Salmonella Dublin, which may have human health and food safety implications. Specifically, we are describing transmission routes for Salmonella Dublin within dairy herds and calf raising facilities to derive and prioritize critical control points. In addition, we are working to validate control surveillance methods for herd-level infectious disease monitoring
Key Collaborators: Dr. Reilly Comper (Postdoctoral Fellow, Trent), Dr. Christina Lyn (PhD student, Guelph), Dr. David Kelton (OVC, Guelph), Dr. Karen Hand, Dr. Dave Renaud (OVC, Guelph), Dr. Stephen Leblanc (OVC, Guelph), DairyTrace.
Emerging infectious diseases
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI)
We are interested in examining emergence and early disease dynamics of avian influenza in both poultry and dairy populations as well as spillover dynamics at the human-animal-environment interface.
Key collaborators: Riley Oremush (PhD student, Guelph), Dr. Reilly Comper (Postdoctoral Fellow, Trent), Dr. Pascale Aubry (CFIA), Dairy at Guelph, Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Dr. David Kelton, Dr. Javier Sanchez (AVC, UPEI)
Changing dynamics of vector-borne diseases under climate change
Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) is a viral disease that can cause significant mortality in livestock and deer, particularly white-tailed deer. The virus is spread by biting midges. While EHD regularly occurs in the United States, there are sporadic cases identified in Canada. We are working to understand how environmental conditions influence the ecology of the vectors and how we might expect the disease risk to deer (and other susceptible hosts like cattle) to change over the next 50+ years as the climate warms.
Key collaborators: Sydney Dam (MSc student, Trent), Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
applied Public health
Despite the fact that municipal governments are at the forefront of responding to the opioid public health crises in their community, there has been limited application of statistical, lmathematical, or simulation models focused specifically on the municipal level. This project is using models to understand the temporal and spatial patterns of opioid related harms and to support reductions in opioid-related harms in Canada with a focus on the municipal context as a case study
Key collaborators: Shawn Yip (MSc student, Trent), Dr. Wesley Burr (Trent), Peterborough Public Health, Peterborough Paramedic Service.
Animal ecology and welfare
Investigating the long term impacts of high quality high volume (HQHV) spay neuter clinics in the USA
We are developing agent-based simulation models to explore the anticipated long-term impact of various levels of spay-neuter service delivery, including an increased/lowered/eliminated direct spay and neuter service delivery and an increased/lowered/eliminated indirect service delivery through HQHV training.
Key collaborators: Amanda Zimmermann (Research Coordinator, Trent), Brett Wyker (ASPCA)
Behavioural ecology of white tailed deer in Ontario, Canada
We are exploring the network structure of two populations of white tailed deer in Southern Ontario, Canada using proximity sensors to understand the possible implications for disease transmission risk.
Key collaborators: Sara Gunderson (USRA student, Trent), Dr. Aaron Schafer (Trent), Dr. Joe Northrup (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources)