Award details

Derivation of factors required for epidemiological models of Culicoides-borne arboviral diseases

Reference	BBS/E/I/00000771
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Philip Mellor
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	The Pirbright Institute
Department	The Pirbright Institute Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	194,680
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/10/1998
End date	30/09/2001
Duration	36 months

Abstract

Simulation modelling of the epidemiology of AHS has highlighted several factors of which little is known and which add considerable uncertainty to the predictions of existing models. These factors have been highlighted as priorities in empirical research. This project will attempt to derive accurate estimates of several of these factors using a combination of experimental, laboratory, mathematical and statistical techniques. The factors to be derived are: 1. The proportion of the midge population that feed on susceptible hosts. This will be achieved using ELISA to identify the source of blood meals in trap-caught midges. 2. The frequency with which midges feed on susceptible hosts. This will be achieved by nightly sampling of Culicoides populations over extended periods of time and utilising time-series analysis techniques to identify cycles within the data. 3. The mortality rate of midges. This will be achieved using the same data collected in (2) by statistical examination of parous rates and thence derivation of mortality rates. 4. The relative population size of midges to hosts. A variety of techniques will be used, including Mark, Release, Recapture, use of stick cloths on hosts, and calculations based on a combination of (1) and (2) above. 5. Virus transmission rates. Of bluetongue virus from infected sheep to midges and from infected midges to sheep.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Animal Sciences (AS)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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