Pria Ghosh – Risky strain interaction among amphibian parasitizing chytrids
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is arguably the most destructive pathogen of vertebrates ever discovered, having been implicated in the population decline, extirpation or extinction of up to 200 amphibian species. However, recent work has highlighted alarming interactions between strains of Bd which could enable this already highly virulent pathogen to become even more dangerous. This research highlights the importance of looking at emerging infectious diseases beyond species level particularly in the light of an increasingly globalised world where strains of pathogen are being transported around the world to naïve areas at an ever growing rate.
Cally Ham – Transmission of bovine Tuberculosis between badgers and cattle
Bovine Tuberculosis is the most pressing disease affecting the farming community in the UK. Disease transmission between livestock and wildlife, predominantly the badger (Meles meles), complicates both the disease dynamics and the measures used to reduce cattle infections. Through monitoring badger and cattle behaviour with GPS collars and remote camera traps we aim to study the behaviour of both species and improve our understanding of when and where disease transmission might take place.
About the Series
The Grantham Changing Planet seminar series is run by students and staff on the Science and Solutions for a Changing Planet (SSCP) Doctoral Training Program. The aim is to complement the diversity of environmental research here at Imperial College London and promote links to the broader community in UK and beyond. It offers the chance to hear the latest in understanding, adapting to and mitigating environmental problems.