About the Project
Avian influenza virus (AIV) strains of H5N1 and H9N2 are endemic in several Asian countries, including Vietnam and Pakistan. Highly pathogenic H5N1 and low pathogenic H9N2 viruses are both considered credible threats for pandemic emergence of viruses with human-to-human transmissibility.
In both Vietnam and Pakistan, routine vaccination of poultry is practiced within the commercial poultry sector, and responsive vaccination for disease outbreak control is part of national strategies for reducing economic losses and for reduction of zoonotic health risks. Vaccination in Vietnam focuses on the H5 subtypes, whereas vaccination in Pakistan is primarily against H9 viruses. There remain significant knowledge gaps regarding optimum control strategies, and methods to evaluate and optimise the deployment of poultry vaccination remain important research priorities. This project will investigate the impact of current H5N1 vaccine interventions on patterns of AIV transmission in Vietnam, and will develop model systems for cost-benefit assessments to evaluate novel vaccines and alternative intervention strategies.
Complementary model systems will then be developed to evaluate vaccination control strategies for H9N2 in Pakistan, which differ considerably due to the level of industrialisation of the poultry sector, and fundamental differences in transmission ecology between H5 and H9 subtypes. A comparative analysis of H5 and H9 intervention strategies across the two countries will provide a rich opportunity to explore disease mitigation strategies and the socio-economic impact of poultry vaccination in these two diverse contexts.
The project will be conducted within the larger framework of a Zoonoses and Emerging Livestock Systems (ZELS) project, which aims to develop novel H5 and H9 influenza vaccines tailored to the circulating variants in Vietnam and Pakistan.
There is an expectation that the student will be required to work in Pakistan and/or Vietnam for up to two years during this studentship.
Essential requirements:
• A BSc (Hons) degree in a relevant biological subject, with at least a 2.1 degree classification or equivalent.
• An interest in avian influenza epidemiology
• Evidence of excellent quantitative skills
• An awareness of the biological basis of disease
• Demonstrable attention to detail
• Ability to work to deadlines
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
Desirable requirements:
• A Masters degree (or equivalent training) in Veterinary Epidemiology, Veterinary Medicine, or Agricultural Economics awarded at a high grade
• Ability to manage field work
• Fluency in STATA
Anticipated start date: March/April 2016
Funding Notes
This is a three and a half year fully funded studentship.
ONLY APPLICANTS FROM THE TARGET COUNTRIES OF VIETNAM AND PAKISTAN SHOULD APPLY. THERE IS AN EXPECTATION THAT THE STUDENT WILL BE REQUIRED TO WORK IN PAKISTAN AND/OR VIETNAM FOR UP TO TWO YEARS DURING THIS STUDENTSHIP.
If English is not your first language we will require proof of IELTS Level 7 or equivalent with a minimum of 6.5 in each sub-test.
References
1. Hinrichs, J., J. Otte and J. Rushton Technical, epidemiological and financial implications of large-scale national vaccination campaigns to control HPAI H5N1. 2010. CAB Reviews: Perspectives in Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Nutrition and Natural Resources. 5:1-8.
2. Fournié, Guillaume, J Guitian, S Desvaux, S Cuong, Vu Chi Dung, Do Huu, D. Pfeiffer, et al. Interventions for avian influenza A (H5N1) risk management in live bird market networks. 2013. PNAS. doi.10.1073/pnas.122081511
3. Nguyen DT, Bryant JE, Davis CT, Nguyen L V, Pham LT, Loth L, Inui K, Nguyen T, Jang Y, To TL, Nguyen TD, Hoang DT, Do HT, Trang T, Newman S, Siembieda J, Pham D V, Bryant AJE, Davis BCGCT, Nguyen DL V, Pham ELT, Loth EL, Inui FK, Siembieda FJ, Dong D. Prevalence and Distribution of Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Virus Clade Variants in Live Bird Markets of Vietnam , 2011 – 2013 Prevalence and Distribution of Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Virus Clade Variants in Live Bird Markets of Vietnam , 2011 – 2013. Avian Dis 2014:2011–2013.