Ecology, Epidemiology, and Biosurveillance for Emerging Viral Pathogens of Bats in Uganda
Abstract
The overarching goals of this proposal are to understand public health risks at the human/bat interface, and further develop multi-institutional biosurveillance and response capabilities for bat-borne viral pathogens in Uganda. We will strengthen active research on bat ecology and biosurveillance methods, improve the ability to detect bat-borne pathogens in country through the use of next generation sequencing, and develop a sustainable pipeline for surveillance, identification, and response to bat-borne pathogens. Further, this project will generate novel data on bat species distributions using acoustic monitoring technologies, exposure of people to specific bat-borne pathogens, human risk for contracting pathogens in high-traffic caves, the potential role of citizen science in bat biosurveillance, and the influence of bat dispersal patterns on local virus distribution. Partner institutions include Colorado State University, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Makerere University, and the Uganda Wildlife Authority. This work will be in direct collaboration with a linked proposal being prepared by the CDC Viral Special Pathogens Branch. This integrated approach will strengthen partnerships and biosurveillance capabilities within Uganda, and reduce the threat to US and global health security from viruses of bats.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Dec 03, 2019
- Source ID
- HDTRA11910030
Entities
People
- Rebekah Crockett Kading
Organizations
- Colorado State University
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency