The Department is currently hosting a Master of Philosophy in Applied Epidemiology (MAE) Scholar from the Australian National University, Michaela Gilbert, who during her two-year placement is contributing to animal health epidemiology projects across the department, including the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer (OCVO).
The MAE program is run through the Australian National University and involves two years of on-the-job training and intensive course blocks to produce experienced graduates. Scholars complete several projects to demonstrate their skills in epidemiology and submit a thesis at the conclusion of the program.
Epidemiology is the study of disease in a population with the aim of better preventing and controlling disease. A population could be a group of humans, animals or even plants. Most epidemiologists working in the department are focussed on animal health.
Understanding how disease affects animal populations is important for our industries. The Australian pork industry was impacted by an outbreak of Japanese encephalitis in 2022, but the severity of the impact varied between herds. Michaela is investigating how the disease affected different pig farms and whether any risk factors explain the different levels of disease. This will improve our understanding of Japanese encephalitis in Australian pig populations and may help to minimise impacts of future outbreaks.
Along with assisting the Department with domestic work, Michaela has also assisted working with Department’s overseas partners. In July 2023, the Solomon Islands Government sought Australia’s aid to investigate an outbreak of very virulent infectious bursal disease. This important disease of chickens causes large numbers of deaths in chicken flocks, resulting in income losses for farmers. Michaela has applied her epidemiology skills to support the investigation.
Michaela’s placement with the department has advanced her epidemiology skills and her understanding of One Health, and she has made valuable contributions to several important projects. Michaela’s background in public health has also complemented her current work in animal health epidemiology. One Health recognises the connections between human health, animal health and ecosystem health, and Michaela’s experience will help her foster cross-sector collaboration in the future. She hopes to continue working in One Health after completing the MAE.
Applications for the 2025 MAE program close 21 July 2024 and there is further information available at: Master of Applied Epidemiology Program.
