Avian Influenza in Ghana: epidemiology, control and economic impact at University of Edinburgh on FindAPhD.com

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Dr L Boden, Dr M Bronsvoort No more applications being accepted Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh

About the Project

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus (HPAIV) was first detected in Africa in early 2006. It has since spread to other African countries with devastating consequences on national economies. In Ghana HPAI H5N1 was first reported in May 2007. Since then there have been 91 outbreaks to date, including a Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI) H9N2 outbreak in 2018. The zoonotic and socio-economic threats of Avian influenza raises serious concerns regarding the sustainability of an already weakened poultry industry dominated by backyard poultry with little to no biosecurity. This was evidenced by the unusually high mortality associated with the LPAI H9N2 outbreak in 2018. Effectively controlling Avian influenza therefore has direct implications on food and nutrition security. Moreover, it would safegaurd the economic wellbeing of rural poor households involved in poultry farming. The costs of implementing sanitary measures for Avian Influenza prevention and control in poultry populations however can be high, especially in the absence of quantified benefits, and eradication targets may be unrealistic. There is therefore an urgent need for alternative control measures that are both cost-effective and socially equitable.

The aim of this project will be to describe the epidemiology, economic impact and human and animal health benefits of Avian Influenza control in Ghana.

The objectives are to:

1. Investigate the occurrence and risk factors of avian influenza outbreaks in commercial and smallholder poultry in Ghana.

2. Qualitatively identify transmission pathways for spread of HPAIV once outbreak occurs and map administrative regions at risk of H/LPAI occurrence within Ghana.

3. Assess the economic impact of Avian Influenza in Ghana

4. Analyse the economic cost and benefits of existing Avian Influenza prevention/control strategies against alternative measures such zoning, vaccination and minimum/enhanced biosecurity.

A webinar will be held on Tuesday 14^th December at 13.00hrs (UK time) to assist you in the application process and tell you a little more about studying for a PhD with us. It will also give you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have. If interested in joining us please send your name and email address to [Email Address Removed] by Friday 10th December and we will send you a link to the on line meeting

ALL APPLICATION PROCEDURES MUST BE COMPLETED BY THE CLOSING DATE 5th JANUARY 2022

Funding Notes

We would encourage applicants to list up to three projects of interest (ranked 1st, 2nd and 3rd choice) from those listed with a closing date of 5th January 2022 at https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/work-study/opportunities/studentships
This opportunity is open to UK and international students and provides funding to cover stipend, tuition fees and consumable/travel costs. Applications including a statement of interest and full CV with names and addresses (including email addresses) of two academic referees, should be emailed to [Email Address Removed].
When applying for the studentship please state clearly the project title/s and the supervisor/s in your covering letter.

References

1. Cattoli G, Monne I, Fusaro A, Joannis TM, Lombin LH, Aly MM, et al. Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus subtype H5N1 in Africa: a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis and molecular characterization of isolates. PLoS One. 2009;4(3):e4842.
2. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). OIE-WAHIS database: disease situation reports. 2021.
3. Ntsomboh Ntsefong G. Incidence of Avian Flu Shocks on Poor Household Livelihoods of Poultry Farmers in Africa. International International Journal of Avian & Wildlife Biology. 2017;2(1)

Where will I study?

University of Edinburgh

One of the world''s top universities, consistently ranked in the world top 50 and placed 20th in the QS World University Rankings 2020. We provide a stimulating working, learning and teaching environment with access to excellent facilities and attract the world''s best, from Nobel Prize winning laureates to future explorers, pioneers and inventors.