Topic ID No.: 2026-G13

Title of research topic:

Understanding transmission pathways of pathogens in the wildlifew livestock interaction

Description:

Pathogen transmission along the food production chain with focus on livestock wildlife interaction and potential transmission pathways

Target region or country (if applicable):

Topic is not yet linked to a specific country, but South Africa and/or Malawi are feasible options

Topic background information / scientific relevance:

The transmission of diseases between livestock and wildlife is a worldwide problem. At the moment African Swine fever and Avian Influenza are severe problems in Europe for example. The onset of different diseases such as foot and mouth disease or brucellosis plays an important role in the production of food of animal origin and is linked to severe losses. Not only the quality and amount of food produced reduces in case of a disease, but there is also the risk of zoonotic diseases being spread. Understanding the possible pathways beyond the classical direct contact between livestock and wildlife can help with the prevention of diseases. With the knowledge gathered in this project, suitable measures for interrupting these pathways can be developed. This leads to increased food safety and food security as well as increased animal welfare.

Research objectives:

The objectives of the project are the evaluation of possible transmission routes using both existing data and newly gathered data. Already existing data of outbreaks of diseases both in livestock and wildlife will be linked and potential pathways will be examined. Here the focus is not only on direct contact but mainly on migration routes (contamination of grazing land), shared water sources (spread of pathogens around water sources but also along rivers) and weather data such as rainfall (potential wash-off of pathogens and spread). The new data will be gathered using indicator organisms like parasites or Enterobacteriaceae.

Required skills and qualifications of the applicant:

The applicant should hold a master’s degree in Agricultural science, a degree in veterinary medicine, a degree in biology or similar. Experience in microbiological lab work is beneficial, especially in the field of parasitology and molecular diagnostics but not prerequisite. Fluent English language skills both spoken and written and a driving license are required. The will and ability to work remotely on a project with no direct supervision is required as well as the will to stay abroad for at least two and a half years.

Contact person and institute in charge:

Dr. med. vet. Thorben Schilling. University of Hohenheim. Department of Infection and Environmental Hygiene in Livestock.

Thorben.Schilling@uni-hohenheim.de