Freshwater Vector Snails and their Infection with Trematode cercariae in Busia County

Nov 22, 2016 | ABS, Blog, ILRI, Latest news, Research, ZooLink project, Zoonotic Diseases

Freshwater Vector Snails and their Infection with Trematode cercariae in Busia County

Capturing snails

In this study, we sought to identify snail species infected with Trematode cercariae and environmental factors that correlate with their presence. This was undertaken to better understand the underlying biology of these species to better understand the risk of transmission of livestock- and human-infectious trematodes.

We found that lymnaeid snails were widely distributed in all the agro-ecological zones (AEZs) we studied, and were the majority snail

at low altitudes. Biomphalariae, Bulinus, Oncomelaniae and Melanoides were present in some but not all of the zones. The study found that snails were more abundant in streams originating from springs and swamps near the shores of Lake Victoria. Biomphalariae and Lymnaeid species were found to be infected with trematode cercariae. The B. sudanica species found in the swamps near the lakeshore were infected with both Fasciola gigantica and Schistosoma mansoni pointing to a co-existence of Schistosoma and Fasciola infection at the site. The relative abundance of vector snails was found to be influenced by water pH, water temperature, ambient temperature and vegetation cover.

Identification/Isolation of cercariae

The presence of vector snails and cercariae in all of the zones points to the presence of possible transmission foci for Schistosomiasis, Fascioliasis and other foodborne trematodiases. People and animals using water and pasture from these sites in western Kenya are at a risk of contracting these parasitic infections.

Control of foodborne trematode infection should be targeted in all the AEZ’s with emphasis placed on the areas that border the lake and those with streams flowing from springs.

Article by Maurice Omondi Owiny, Resident, Kenya FELTP. Resident, Kenya Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme based at the International Livestock Research Institute

Letter from the PI: Introducing the ZooLink Suite of Projects

Nov 18, 2016 | A4NH, ABS, Blog, Epidemiology, Latest news, OneHealth, Research, ZooLink project, Zoonotic Diseases

Letter from the PI: Introducing the ZooLink Suite of Projects

Prof. Eric Fèvre

It’s a real pleasure to write the first “Letter from the PI” for the Zoonoses in Livestock in Kenya (ZooLinK) project, part of the Zoonoses in Emerging Livestock Systems programme, funded by the UK Research Councils (led by the BBSRC), UK DFID and UK DSTL.

Our project has been underway since 2015, engaged in planning and staffing, followed by refurbishing of our field lab and the commencement of field activities in Kenya. It’s satisfying, a year and a half in, to now be able to start reporting on how we are doing and what we are up to. While we have been and will continue to share updates through social media on a regular basis, our project newsletters serve to provide slightly more indepth ongoing reporting of our work. Newsletter articles will also appear on our project website as blog articles – we are active on social media both on the web at www.zoonotic-diseases.org and through twitter @ZoonoticDisease, with #zels #zoolink.

Dr. Laura Falzon has been appointed as our postdoctoral epidemiologist, leading activity in our field sites. Laura is co-ordinating scientific activity at our primary laboratory, based in the town of Busia, on Kenya’s border with Uganda. The lab houses BSL-2 standard biosecurity and is fully spec’ed for basic parasitological diagnostic work, serological assays, PCR and molecular diagnostics and microbiological assays. Later this year, we’ll have some exciting DNA sequencing capacity there too. Samples are flowing through this laboratory where a number of our project scientists are working, and two Masters theses have already resulted from this ongoing work (projects undertaken by Isaac Ngere and Maurice Omondi on arboviruses and Fasciola spp– see our blog). Dr. hristine Mosoti is our ZooLinK project manager, and is the primary point of contact for any external queries on the project.

While the ZELS programme does not directly fund PhD students, we’ve successfully attracted a real diversity of academic interests to our programme with some innovative co-funding mechanisms. Ten PhD students are currently active in the programme, some nearing the end of their first year, others just beginning their studies, on topics as wide ranging as within household economics to genetic diversity of parasites – we’ll ensure that the students’ work is highlighted regularly in the student’s section of this newsletter – see Jessica Floyd’s entry in this edition.

We’ve been engaging very successfully with the national veterinary system too, with two seconded members of County Veterinary Staff attached to our project and so far two cohorts of Animal Health Diploma holders coming through on 3 month “One Health” graduate internships. Elsewhere in Kenya, we’re investing, with our national partners, in the surveillance of several other zoonotic disease issues: we put significant effort into surveillance for Rift Valley Fever during the rainy season early this year and in to understanding the epidemiology of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in camelids and humans. We’ve also been working on enumerating and vaccinating dogs for rabies in central Kenya. Much work, and many challenges lie ahead, but our excellent team is already proving that it can face these challenges successfully, and I am very proud of the excellent interdisciplinary work that we are doing.

PhD Scholarship Opportunity at the University of Nairobi, in association with the ZELS ZooLinK project

Jul 14, 2016 | Past opportunities, ZooLink project, Zoonotic Diseases

PhD Scholarship Opportunity at the University of Nairobi, in association with the ZELS ZooLinK project

UoN_Logo

The Zoonoses in Livestock in Kenya (ZooLinK) project is funded by the UK Zoonosis and Emerging Livestock Systems (ZELS) Programme of the BBSRC, ESRC, NERC, MRC, DFID and DSTL. ZooLinK is a collaborative project between the Universities of Liverpool, Edinburgh, Nottingham, The Royal Veterinary College, Nairobi and Kenya Medical Research Institute and International Livestock Research Institute. The parties are conducting a five year study on integrated zoonosis surveillance on 14 zoonotic diseases in western Kenya.

ZooLinK seeks to recruit a PhD student to be registered at the University of Nairobi to join its interdisciplinary research team to address the various objectives of the project.

The normal rules of admission and academic selection of the University of Nairobi will be applied in the recruitment for this position. Interested candidates must have an MSc degree in basic sciences or medicine/veterinary medicine with a strong bias towards epidemiology and quantitative biostatistics. He/She must submit his/her detailed CV, an application cover letter, and a concept note not exceeding 3 pages in the form of a research proposal detailing a proposed project he/she wishes to pursue. To be considered, the proposed project must fall within the scope of the ZooLinK programme. It may focus on an aspect of one of the zoonotic diseases under study or integrate approaches across several diseases. Candidates falling under the University of Nairobi staff development programme will have an added advantage.

The deadline for submission is 5pm on 15^th August 2016. All applications, as well as any informal enquiries, are to be sent to Professor Erastus Kang’ethe, at the email address mburiajudith@gmail.com.

More details on the project, the focus diseases and other details can be obtained at the ZooLinK website [hyperlink http://www.zoonotic-diseases.org/project/zoolink-project/].

Funding

The ZooLink project is funded through the Zoonoses in Emerging Livestock Systems (ZELS) funding stream managed by the UK BBSRC. This is a joint research initiative between the Department for International Development (DFID) and Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), Economic and Social Sciences Research Council (ESRC), Medical Research Council (MRC), Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL)

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Collaborators

Zoonotic Disease Unit, Government of Kenya (www.zdukenya.org), Animal Health & Industry Training Institute (AHITI) – Kabete (http://www.ahitikabetecpd.org/), Kestel Technologies (http://ktg-tech.com/) and Diagnostics for All (http://www.dfa.org/)

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ILRI-DAAD PhD Scholarship: Animal Biosciences– One Health approach to vector biology and arbovirus epidemiology in smallholder livestock systems

Mar 2, 2016 | Past opportunities, ZooLink project

ILRI-DAAD PhD Scholarship: Animal Biosciences– One Health approach to vector biology and arbovirus epidemiology in smallholder livestock systems

ILRI works with partners worldwide to enhance the roles that livestock play in food security and poverty alleviation, principally in Africa and Asia. The outcomes of these research partnerships help people in developing countries keep their farm animals’ alive and productive, increase and sustain their livestock and farm productivity, find profitable markets for their animal products, and reduce the risk of livestock-related diseases. www.ilri.org

ILRI is a not-for-profit institution with a staff of about 700 and in 2016, an operating budget of about USD 83 million. A member of the CGIAR Consortium working for a food-secure future, ILRI has its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, a principal campus in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and offices in other countries in East, West and Southern Africa and in South, Southeast and East Asia. www.cgiar.org

DAAD is a German Academic Exchange service which is a publicly funded, self-governing organization of the institutions of higher education in Germany. DAAD promotes international academic exchange as well as educational co-operation with developing countries through a variety of funding and scholarship programs.

ILRI Research Project: One Health approach to vector biology and arbovirus epidemiology in smallholder livestock systems

The project described below will be linked to the UK Research Council and UK DFID funded Zoonoses in Livestock in Kenya (ZooLinK) project (http://www.zoonotic-diseases.org/project/zoolink-project/). The goal of ZooLinK is to enable Kenya to develop an effective surveillance programme for zoonoses (meaning infectious diseases acquired through contact with animals or their products), which is, by design, integrated across both human and animal health sectors. To achieve this goal we are working in close collaboration with Kenyan government departments, working in western Kenya initially and using this as a model for a national programme. In Kenya, and elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa, far-reaching changes are occurring in the agricultural sector, with major changes in livestock production systems in order to satisfy increased demand for livestock products. The most important changes are the commercialization and intensification of what was previously subsistence farming, resulting in changes in trading patterns (e.g. the distances that livestock and their products are transported), and changes in favored breeds and input supply systems. All of these affect the risk of zoonoses and other infectious diseases. While this PhD project will benefit from support and infrastructure in ZooLinK, it will retain its own scientific aims. Students will nonetheless be part of our team’s wider PhD cohort.

Graduate Fellowship Project Title: One Health approach to vector biology and arbovirus epidemiology in smallholder livestock systems

The Position

The project will investigate the natural history of arboviruses in domestic cattle, mosquito vectors and (to a limited degree) in humans, in material obtained in Kenya, where several viruses of medical and veterinary importance occur. These viruses are a constraint to both livestock production and human health. The project will be a multidisciplinary programme in both epidemiology and entomology, mixing laboratory work and epidemiological analysis, and building on a period of fieldwork. The primary viruses of interest are zoonotic: Rift Valley Fever Virus (RVFV) and West Nile Virus (WNV), but the project will capitalize on the opportunity to detect infections with a range of viruses (Dengue, Chikungunya, Ndumu, Sindbis, Bunyamwera, Pongola and Usutu viruses). RVFV has a domestic livestock reservoir, WNV a reservoir in a variety of bird species. The project is focused on vector ecology and virus epidemiology, providing the candidate with important skills in studying emerging viruses. The hypothesis is that virus transmission occurs in densely populated smallholder livestock production systems with domestic livestock as a reservoir community. The study will capitalize on large-scale field activities funded by the UK BBSRC/ UK DFID.

Aim 1: Ecology of Culex mosquitoes in the Lake Victoria ecosystem.

A variety of mosquito trapping techniques will be used to quantify the distribution, biting behaviour and abundance of Culex mosquitoes in the area. Entomological collections and blood meal analysis will be combined with remote sensing to understand landscape factors determining distribution.

Aim 2: Prevalence of RVFV, WNV and other arboviruses in Culex mosquitoes.

A viral sequencing-based approach will be used to detect viruses in pools of collected mosquitos. This will include training in preparing material for sequencing and the analysis of sequence data.

Aim 3: Prevalence in animal reservoirs and modelling transmission.

On-going BBSRC funded studies in the study site will sample large numbers of domestic cattle, goats and sheep, material that will be available for screening for RVFV and other viruses. In addition, targeted sampling of bird populations (collaboration with the National Museums of Kenya) will be undertaken, aiming to detect WNV in those species. These data, with the entomological parameters and remote sensing data, will allow for building epidemiological models of transmission in this ecosystem.

Aim 4: Human samples in the project biobank (collected from a large number of febrile patients in local treatment centres will, in addition, allow the students to assess exposure (through serology) of livestock and non-livestock keepers to RVFV and WNV.

This will be an exciting PhD programme during which the student can expect to master a range of interdisciplinary skills, including entomologic sampling, mosquito identification and systematics, remote sensing data manipulation and analysis, insect blood meal analysis, analysis of sequence data, IgM and IgG ELISA on serum samples, building simple models of vector borne disease transmission and quantitative epidemiology. Most significantly, the project will provide opportunities to link entomology to studies of disease epidemiology, and cutting edge sequencing approaches to the study of pathogens. These activities will all take place within a highly interdisciplinary team of medical, veterinary, biological and social science expertise, in a large programme with partners linked to government and policy institutions.

Responsibilities:

Field data collection of entomology samples, mosquito trapping, ecological study design.
ELISA assays in livestock.
Viral sequencing from field samples.
Modelling disease transmission.

Essential Skills and Qualifications will include:

Background in biological sciences or veterinary medicine.
MSc in a relevant subject.

Location: ILRI Laboratory in Busia, Kenya.
Duration: 3 years.

Terms of appointment: ILRI will offer a competitive stipend to cover living expenses in the project location(s). The successful candidate will be supervised jointly by an ILRI scientist and the university/academic supervisor.

How to apply:

Interested applicants should submit the following documents:

A cover letter explaining your interest in the position, what you can bring to the job and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about your professional qualifications and work experience to the Director, People and Organizational Development by clicking on the “Apply Now” tab above before 18th March 2016. The position title and reference number: PHDAB/DAAD/02/2016 should be clearly indicated in the subject line of the cover letter.

Curriculum Vitae without photograph; please use the europass CV template at http://europass.cedefop.europa.eu.
Certified copies of all university degree certificates.
Certified copies of all university transcripts.
At least temporary University admission letter including fee structure of respective course (original or certified copy only), or an official letter assuring admission. If this is not available by the closing date for application; please include with the application a commitment letter that you will have obtained this by 1st September 2016 as this is a mandatory requirement before commencing the fellowship program.
Ph.D. research proposal and a detailed work plan (10 to 15 pages); plagiarism will be checked! The proposal has to be in line with the above outlined ILRI’s research project.
Abstract of the proposal on one page (please include name and title of proposal)
Where applicable a recommendation letter by head of department indicating that you are a present or prospective member of staff and how you will be integrated into the staff development agenda of the university (original only)
Confirmation of study leave from your university (if applicable).
Confirmation of teaching release (university staff members only).

The scholarships are only awarded to citizens of Sub-Saharan African countries (SSA)

We thank all applicants for their interest in working for ILRI. Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

ILRI does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing or training). ILRI also does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.

To find out more about ILRI visit our website at http://www.ilri.org

To find out more about working at ILRI visit our website at http://www.ilri.org/ilricrowd/

Suitably qualified women and citizens of developing countries, with experience of working internationally, are particularly encouraged to apply.

– See more at: http://ilri.simplicant.com/jobs/20842-ilri-daad-phd-scholarship-animal-biosciences-one-health-approach-to-vector-biology-and-arbovirus-epidemiology-in-smallholder-livestock-systems/detail#sthash.WlC6dJli.dpuf

Click here to Apply

ILRI-DAAD PhD Scholarship: Cystic Echinococcosis-Distribution and genetic diversity

Mar 2, 2016 | Past opportunities, ZooLink project

ILRI-DAAD PhD Scholarship: Cystic Echinococcosis-Distribution and genetic diversity

ILRI works with partners worldwide to enhance the roles that livestock play in food security and poverty alleviation, principally in Africa and Asia. The outcomes of these research partnerships help people in developing countries keep their farm animals’ alive and productive, increase and sustain their livestock and farm productivity, find profitable markets for their animal products, and reduce the risk of livestock-related diseases. www.ilri.org

ILRI is a not-for-profit institution with a staff of about 700 and in 2016, an operating budget of about USD 83 million. A member of the CGIAR Consortium working for a food-secure future, ILRI has its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, a principal campus in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and offices in other countries in East, West and Southern Africa and in South, Southeast and East Asia. www.cgiar.org

DAAD is a German Academic Exchange service which is a publicly funded, self-governing organization of the institutions of higher education in Germany. DAAD promotes international academic exchange as well as educational co-operation with developing countries through a variety of funding and scholarship programs.

ILRI Research Project: ZooLinK project

The project described below will be linked to the UK Research Council and UK DFID funded Zoonoses in Livestock in Kenya (ZooLinK) project (http://www.zoonotic-diseases.org/project/zoolink-project/). The goal of ZooLinK is to enable Kenya to develop an effective surveillance programme for zoonoses (meaning infectious diseases acquired through contact with animals or their products), which is, by design, integrated across both human and animal health sectors. To achieve this goal we are working in close collaboration with Kenyan government departments, working in western Kenya initially and using this as a model for a national programme. In Kenya, and elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa, far-reaching changes are occurring in the agricultural sector, with major changes in livestock production systems in order to satisfy increased demand for livestock products. The most important changes are the commercialization and intensification of what was previously subsistence farming, resulting in changes in trading patterns (e.g. the distances that livestock and their products are transported), and changes in favored breeds and input supply systems. All of these affect the risk of zoonoses and other infectious diseases. While this PhD project will benefit from support and infrastructure in ZooLinK, it will retain its own scientific aims. Students will nonetheless be part of our team’s wider PhD cohort.

Graduate Fellowship Project Title: Cystic Echinococcosis: Distribution and genetic diversity

The position:

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease involving dogs, livestock and humans, caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. CE has a worldwide distribution and is of public health importance in areas where extensive livestock farming is practiced. It is emerging and re-emerging disease in many parts of the world with a particular impact in developing countries. Previous studies on CE in Kenya have concentrated in Turkana and Maasailand, however recent studies have shown a wider distribution of the disease in the country. There is no available data on CE in Western Kenya, though livestock slaughtered in this area mainly originate from CE endemic areas. Infection in humans will be determined by ultra sound scanning, while infection in livestock will be determined by slaughter house surveys, whereas faecal samples from dogs will be collected and analyzed by copro-antigen method. Molecular tools will be used to determine genetic diversity and transmission dynamics of the parasite which are important for disease surveillance and control programmes.

Aim 1: To determine the infection rate of CE in humans, livestock and dogs in Western Kenya

Aim 2: To determine Echinococcus species/strains in humans, livestock and dogs in Western Kenya

Aim 3: To establish the genetic variability (haplotypes) of the parasite

Aim 4: To determine the socioeconomic impact of CE in Western Kenya

The students will be trained on data collection methods, immunological techniques (copro-antigen), molecular and bioinformatics tools for genetic diversity and analytical tools for socioeconomic impact. The student will be attached to a larger project on zoonoses (http://www.zoonotic-diseases.org/project/zoolink-project/ operated out of ILRI and will join a community of students and more senior researchers on that programme.