Assessing the Zoonotic Disease Risk at Wildlife Markets

This project will involve the collection of samples from a number of wildlife markets located at key sites of current concern from around the globe. Samples will be analysed using genetic methods to determine the presence and prevalence of any disease pathogens and to establish any risks to wildlife and humans.

Aims and objectives
It is estimated that 72% of emerging zoonotic disease events originate from wildlife. Zoonotic disease organisms include those that are endemic in human populations or enzootic in animal populations with frequent cross-species transmission to people. Many of these diseases can pose serious risks to human health, and trade that brings live wild animals into close proximity with humans provides an interface for pathogen transmission that can contribute to disease emergence.

For example, currently there are at least 40 known zoonoses associated with amphibians and reptiles. Captive reptiles are routinely identified as reservoirs of certain bacteria such as Salmonella and all reptiles should be presumed to harbor at least some risk of infection. This creates a large potential risk that this project will aim to investigate by collecting key primary data to assess the magnitude of risk in different market environments and geographical regions.

The overall aim of this project is to provide an assessment of the current zoonotic disease risk at wildlife markets. The successful candidate will be required to:

1. Conduct a literature review of zoonotic disease at select wildlife markets.
2. Design a zoonotic disease sample collection protocol and help deliver training to a team of collaborating field staff.
3. Assist with field work through the collection of samples from various wildlife markets. This is likely to
involve a maximum of two weeks fieldwork in three different countries (additional samples will be taken by team of collaborating field staff).
4. Generation of relevant genetic data to identify the presence and prevalence of zoonotic diseases.
5. Interpretation of data to identify any regional differences in the magnitude of zoonotic disease risk.
6. Inform future policy making decisions and practical approaches to decrease the risks identified.
Specific requirements of the project
Enthusiastic and highly motivated candidates should have a minimum qualification of a BSc Hons degree at the level of 2.1 or above in either Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Ecology, or other related sciences. Further experience at Masters/research level in environmental microbiology/microbial ecology, or another related science is desirable and experience of international travel would be an advantage.

The successful applicant is expected to start January 2018
Student eligibility
This opportunity is open to UK, EU and International applicants. NOTE: If International applicants wish to apply, the difference in fees between Home/EU and International must be covered by the individual.

Please follow this link to apply: http://www2.mmu.ac.uk/research/research-study/scholarships/detail/scieng-dm-2018-1-assessing-the-zoonotic-disease-risk-at-wildlife-markets.php
Closing date: Midnight 1 January 2018
Interviews: Week commencing 8th January 2018

Informal academic enquiries can be made to: Dr David Megson E-mail: [Email Address Removed] Tel: +44 (0)161 247 1446