Seabirds are experiencing widespread decline; 28% of species are considered globally threatened. Mass mortality events in seabird colonies in 2021 and 2022 due to (H5N1) Avian Influenza have highlighted how crucial monitoring of wildlife diseases is to the conservation of already threatened species. The UK is home to 35 – 40% of the world’s population of Manx Shearwaters, Puffinus puffinus, a species considered ‘Amber’ level of conservation concern in the UK and a conservation priority in the European Commission birds’ directive for migratory species. Manx shearwaters are a pelagic species, wintering at sea in the Southern Hemisphere and returning to breeding colonies in the Northern hemisphere from February each year. Every year, since at least 1960, upon return to their breeding sites in West Wales (islands of Skokholm and Skomer) a disease outbreaks with an agent of unknown aetiology. The disease, which causes mass mortality in chicks (up to 70%) has been termed ‘puffinosis’. The potential transmission route of the disease-causing agent could be a function of the ecology of the shearwaters, with their nest sites being burrows that are utilised by other species, offering potential routes for pathogen spillover. Alternatively, the disease could be non-pathogenic but a manifestation of anthropogenic pollution attacking neurological pathways. Here, we aim to use state-of-the-art techniques to identify potential agents or factors impacting the development of the puffinosis in Manx shearwaters on Skokholm. The overall aim of this studentship is to investigate the cause of the puffinosis and identify potential agents or factor impacting the development of the disease on Skokholm island. We will first identify the causative agent of the disease; biological and/or environmental contamination, and if pathogen-caused we will quantify pathogen load (bacteria, parasite, virus) (AIM 1). We will assess abiotic and biotic factors influencing the emergence and development of the disease (AIM 2), and characterise host responses to disease (AIM 3). The three aims will be pursued simultaneously in time due to their complementary, overlapping nature
AIM 1. PATHOGEN LOAD AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION: We have identified the most common reported symptom of Puffinosis is neurological impairment. It is therefore possible that the disease is non-infectious in nature, but instead a function of chemical contamination. We will use laser ablation plasma source mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) to determine the trace element composition within vertebrae and tissue of animals (MAL) where disease-induced mortality occurred and compare these to ‘control’ mortalities. To determine possible etiological agents, we will carry out a full parasite/pathogen community assessment using 16S analysis faecal, eye drop and blister samples (SP/CBe). In addition, to partially fulfil Koch’s postulates if a bacterial pathogen is determined to cause disease, we will administer a broad antibiotic spectrum to sick animals and quantify recovery rates (CBe).
AIM 2. ABIOTIC AND BIOTIC FACTORS INFLUENCING DISEASE DEVELOPMENT: We will assess the environmental conditions that can impact disease development (SP, CBe and RT). Co-supervisor, RT has a large dataset of the spatiotemporal occurrence of puffinosis since the 1960’s on Skokholm island. Disease occurrence will be assessed for association with abiotic factors, including rainfall, air and sea temperature and local ocean currents (SP and RT). Biological data will be collected to measure feeding rates of parents using camera traps (SP) and, fishing location of the parents using geotag in colonies with high disease incidence (North-east of the island) or low incidence (West of the island). Using a network of artificial burrows (already established on the island) we will record disease, or lack thereof, alongside chick body mass, ectoparasite community (e.g. feather lice, fleas and ticks), and abiotic conditions of the burrow including temperature and humidity (RT/SP).
AIM 3. HOST RESPONSES TO THE DISEASE: Puffinosis is a multi-symptomatic disease (blisters, conjunctivitis and neurological impairments). Using the artificial burrow network, the progression, severity and outcome of the disease will be measured daily. Autopsy of any deceased animals will be carried out and tissue will be taken for histology (CBo), microbiology (CBe/SP) and DNA analysis (in particular in the spleen and the central nervous system to detect biological agents) and for fat storage measurements to assess body condition. In order to investigate host responses to disease and blood samples will be taken from healthy and sick animals. Complete blood count (blood smears), plasma colour and blood biochemistry analysis will be conducted. The immune cells population will be analysed using fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis based on immune profiling done in other bird species. The level of IgA, IgM, IgY and the main cytokines/chemokines will be measured by ELISA (CBo).
Candidate requirements
This multidisciplinary project involves field biology, microbiology, molecular biology and chemistry. The student will minimally have a biologically related BSc, and ideally a relevant Master’s degree with some practical experience. They will have a strong interest in microbiology, infectious diseases, ecology and or quantitative biology. A current UK driver’s licence would be useful for fieldwork.
Project partners
CB and SP are part of the Microbiome Network (led by the Imperial College London) who aim to integrate resource and analysis pipeline for microbiome analysis. SP and RT have collected the preliminary data on Puffinosis symptoms on Skokholm, and have done so under the permission of and in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales.
Training
The successful candidate will be required to undergo Home Office training and to obtain an animal personal licence. The student will learn about bird physiology, host-pathogen interactions, histology, FACS analysis, ELISA techniques as well as large data set analysis. In addition, work in collaboration with the School of Earth sciences will involve heavy metal analysis.
How to apply
For information on how to apply for postgraduate study at Cardiff University, please follow this link: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/biosciences-phd-mphil-md . When applying, please ensure that you include on the Cardiff application form the project title you are applying for, the supervisor and note ‘NERC DTP’ under the source of funding.
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