PhD candidate on the project: "Avian influenza in wild migratory birds"

We are looking to fill a four-year PhD position in virology/ecology at the department of Viroscience Project

Title: Avian influenza in wild migratory birds
Objective: Low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses are common in wild birds around the world, in particular in Anseriformes species (ducks, geese, swans) and Charadriiformes species (gulls, terns, shorebirds). In the last few decades, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses of subtype H5 that were historically restricted to poultry have caused epizootics in wild bird populations as well, with mass mortalities reported repeatedly. To what extent the circulation of HPAI viruses in wild birds is or can be following similar patterns as described for LPAI viruses with respect to timing, geographical spread and host range is unclear. Whether the HPAI virus can become truly enzootic in wild birds and what the impact will be on the long term for wild and domestic animals and humans also requires further investigation.

Your work will focus on investigations on the prevalence, spread and disease patterns of influenza virus infections in wild migratory birds and potential spill over events to other hosts. You will contribute to a long-term surveillance program running in the Viroscience department and to laboratory investigations on LPAI and HPAI viruses. Epidemiological data, virus genome sequence data and wild bird migration data will be used to increase our understanding of the spread of avian influenza viruses by wild birds. Serology studies will complement virology studies. Genetic and phenotypic characterization of the viruses will aid in risk assessments in the interest of animal and human health. Wherever possible, new findings will be translated directly to surveillance and prevention or intervention programs to reduce the negative impact of avian influenza on animal and human health.

Candidates are expected to obtain their PhD in 4 years, with Prof. Dr. R.A.M. Fouchier, deputy head of the department, as promotor.