PROJECT TITLE:Surveillance Design for Aquatic Animal Pathogens

PROJECT TITLE:Surveillance Design for Aquatic Animal Pathogens

  1. PROJECT TITLE:Surveillance Design for Aquatic Animal Pathogens
  2. NAME AND TITLE OF SUPERVISOR:Ms. Melanie Sheppard, Program Officer, Dr. Andrea Osborn, Veterinary Science Specialist
  3. LOCATION OF PROJECT (CITY): Ottawa, Ontario
  4. CONCISE DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT:

The student will be tasked with the creation of a surveillance dossier for a single aquatic animal pathogen (Salmon Alphavirus) in collaboration with staff in the aquatic surveillance and epidemiology section of the Science Branch.

The surveillance dossier will be based on a template currently being developed for Spring Viremia of Carp virus, and is expected to include:

  1. A review of all factors related to the epidemiology of the disease including the susceptible species, pathogen factors and environmental conditions;
  2. A description of the locations of the species susceptible to the disease in Canada, including a description of finfish migration patterns and movements to demonstrate co-mingling of animals between populations;
  3. A description of the populations that may be available for sampling;
  4. A description of the diagnostic testing methodologies;
  5. The development of species specific decision trees to define the most vulnerable life stage, at the time that disease is most likely to occur, in both farmed and wild populations;
  6. An explanation of the rationale for choice of design prevalence;
  7. A decision on the possible inference of the surveillance results to the larger eradication area, province or country level to provide evidence for disease freedom.

The project aligns with the CFIA’s strategic outcome of a safe and accessible food supply and plant and animal resource base. Surveillance activities tie into CFIA’s priority to increase focus on prevention.

  1. EXPERIENCE TO BE GAINED IN REGULATORY MEDICINE:

The student will gain experience in regulatory decision making processes in the development of surveillance activities. They will gain an understanding of the interconnected nature of science advice, policy development, program design and operational challenges related to surveillance activities, including the requirement for intergovernmental and stakeholder collaboration.

The student will be exposed to CFIA’s valuesforthe need for scientific rigour and professional and technical competence, while considering other factors in decision making.

  1. DELIVERABLES:

The student will produce asurveillance dossier on Salmon Alphavirus that can be shared with Policy and Programs Branch, trading partners, collaborators, and regulated parties. The dossier will provide the science based rationale for surveillance requirements for this agent.

Canada is currently thought to be free of Salmon Alphavirus, and the results of this project will help to inform the need for the listing of this agent in the Reportable Diseases Regulations.

  1. PROJECT TIMELINE:

The dossier is expected to be completed by the student during their tenure with the Aquatic Surveillance and Epidemiology Section. The proposed timeline for the three month period would include:

  1. 5 weeks on the information gathering activities
  2. 5 weeks on the synthesizing activities
  3. 2 weeks to complete the dossier and create a presentation of the work
  1. DURATION OF PROJECT OR OTHER DATE OR TIME CONSTRAINTS (usual time period is June - August)

There are no date or time constraints on this project, as work on surveillance design is an ongoing activity at all times. It is expected that the student can complete the work in the 3 month period.

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