Our work spans multiple scientific disciplines to address key challenges in the ecology and evolution of infectious diseases. We have a strong focus on science-informed research translation, and stakeholder collaboration and engagement.
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Wildlife disease management
We are interested in advancing the concepts, theory and practice of wildlife disease management. Pathogens, particularly those that are invasive, represent a major threat to many wildlife. In wildlife, management of pathogens is almost always challenged by knowledge gaps and attributes of the wildlife themselves that differ from situations where domestic animal and human disease management are successful. We are tackling these problems to find more effective and sustainable solutions for wildlife disease management problems. This work is inherently transdisciplinary, collaborative, and translational in nature. |
Figure from: Carver, S., Peters, A., Richards, S. 2022. Model Integrated Disease Management to facilitate effective translatable solutions for wildlife disease issues. Journal of Applied Ecology. 59:2902-2910.
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Image credit: Alynn Martin
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Sarcoptic mange
The Sarcoptes scabiei parasitic mite is among the most host generalist of mammalian parasites and causes significant disease to wildlife, domestic animals and humans (scabies) across the globe. This parasite has been documented in over 150 species of mammal, and is subject to a range of disease management practices. We pursue investigations to advance understanding of the distribution, impacts, transmission, and management of sarcoptic mange. This involves conceptual, theoretical, and empirical studies. We have had a significant empirical focus on sarcoptic mange in wombats, and are expanding our empirical studies to other host species globally. |
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Vector-borne disease ecology
We undertake investigations to advance understanding of vector-borne disease risks to humans, particularly mosquito-borne. This is achieved through research at multiple levels: the biology and ecology of vectors; non-human and human host-vector interactions that underpin outbreak risks, and patterns in human exposure; and forecasting of human vector-borne disease incidence. Much of this work has focused Ross River Virus in Australia. We are also interested in vector distributions, particularly leveraging Artificial Intelligence techniques to enhance capacity to understand existing distributions how they will change into the future. This multi-vector-distribution modeling has important consequences for health policy and vector control. |
Aedes camptorhynchus feeding on Scott Carver
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Scott Carver and puma (anaethetized)
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Animal interfaces and pathogen spillover
The movement of pathogens from domestic animals and humans to wildlife, and vice versa, has important consequences for health and populations. We have a track-record of research on pathogen spillover. This has particularly focused on the interface between domestic and wild cats in North America, and also includes other systems, such as hantaviruses and sarcoptic mange. Much of this work has involved advances in genetics and statistical analyses, allowing investigations that can reveal ‘who transmitted to whom’. |
Other pathogen systems
The above examples highlight particular research foci, but our research track-record covers an even greater range of projects and disciplinary areas. Browse our Publications for the fuller expanse of this research track-record.
The above examples highlight particular research foci, but our research track-record covers an even greater range of projects and disciplinary areas. Browse our Publications for the fuller expanse of this research track-record.
