Australia as a global sink for the genetic diversity of avian influenza A virus.

Most of our understanding of the ecology and evolution of avian influenza A virus (AIV) in wild birds is derived from studies conducted in the northern hemisphere on waterfowl, with a substantial bias towards dabbling ducks. However, relevant environmental conditions and patterns of avian migration and reproduction are substantially different in the southern hemisphere. Through the sequencing and analysis of 333 unique AIV genomes collected from wild birds collected over 15 years we show that Australia is a global sink for AIV diversity and not integrally linked with the Eurasian gene pool.

PREVALENCE OF COLUMBID HERPESVIRUS INFECTION IN FERAL PIGEONS FROM NEW SOUTH WALES AND VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA, WITH SPILLOVER INTO A WILD POWERFUL OWL (NINOX STRUENA).

Columbid herpesvirus-1 (CoHV-1) is widespread in feral pigeons in North America and Europe. We used a PCR assay to detect CoHV-1 DNA in oral and cloacal tissues and oral swabs from naturally infected pigeons. Fifty-three feral pigeons from five flocks in Australia (n=3 from south-central Victoria and n=2 from Sydney) were examined for CoHV-1 DNA.

Emerging infectious diseases in free-ranging wildlife-Australian zoo based wildlife hospitals contribute to national surveillance.

Emerging infectious diseases are increasingly originating from wildlife. Many of these diseases have significant impacts on human health, domestic animal health, and biodiversity. Surveillance is the key to early detection of emerging diseases.

Genetics of mating and sex determination in the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus.

Genetic analysis of parasitic nematodes has been a neglected area of research and the basic genetics of this important group of pathogens are poorly understood. Haemonchus contortus is one of the most economically significant livestock parasites worldwide and is a key experimental model for the strongylid nematode group that includes many important human and animal pathogens. We have undertaken a study of the genetics and the mode of mating of this parasite using microsatellite markers.

Microsatellite genotyping supports the hypothesis that Teladorsagia davtiani and Teladorsagia trifurcata are morphotypes of Teladorsagia circumcincta.

Traditionally nematode species designations have been based on morphological criteria. However, it is has long been recognised that valid species designations are critical for basic biological and epidemiological studies. The ever increasing use of molecular and genetic techniques has allowed traditional classifications to be more closely examined.

Microsatellite analysis reveals marked genetic differentiation between Haemonchus contortus laboratory isolates and provides a rapid system of genetic fingerprinting.

Many of the Haemonchus contortus isolates currently used for experimental work were originally derived from different regions of the world and are commonly exchanged between laboratories. In most cases, these are largely genetically uncharacterised other than the analyses conducted on specific genes of interest. We have used a panel of eight microsatellite markers to genetically characterise five different commonly used H.

Population genetic analysis of the ovine parasitic nematode Teladorsagia circumcincta and evidence for a cryptic species.

An understanding of genetic variation in parasite populations, and how it is partitioned, is required to underpin many areas of basic and applied research. Population genetic studies on parasitic nematode populations are still in their infancy and have been dominated by the use of single locus markers. We have used a panel of five microsatellite markers to undertake a genetic study of a number of field and laboratory populations of Teladorsagia circumcincta.

Characterisation of Teladorsagia circumcincta microsatellites and their development as population genetic markers.

There is a need to develop tools to study the genetics of parasitic nematodes. This is particularly urgent for those species in which anthelmintic resistance is common such as the sheep parasite Teladorsagia (Ostertagia) circumcincta. The lack of information on the population genetics of such parasites severely limits our ability to study the genetic basis of anthelmintic resistance.