NERP TE Project 11.2 Improved approaches for detection of disease and prevention of spread in Torres Strait (JCU)

This project focuses on improving methods to detect the introduction of exotic animal diseases into the Torres Strait. The researchers will examine the environmental factors that influence the establishment and persistence of wildlife diseases in the region. They will study insect disease vectors and the incidence of disease in birds in a range of habitats in order to identify where disease risk is greatest. Field studies will be conducted using replicated mosquito trapping and mist netting of birds in Torres Strait, at sites identified from previous projects. \nOutcomes include:\n\n1. Developing a model of disease dynamics across the Torres Strait based on past and ongoing epidemiology and ecological studies on vectors, reservoir hosts and known disease prevalence including the influence of inter-island and PNG traffic on insect vectors.\n\n2. Undertake a fieldwork program that tests and improves upon our understanding (the model) of how diseases are maintained and dispersed across the islands.\n\n3. Use the results to identify appropriate responses for minimizing the risks associated with disease incursion.\n\n4. Develop capacity in north Queensland in the identification and sampling of vectors and diseases

本项目聚焦于优化托雷斯海峡外来动物疫病传入的检测方法。研究人员将考察影响该区域野生动物疫病定殖与持续存在的环境因素。他们将研究昆虫病媒以及不同生境中鸟类的疫病发病情况，以明确疫病风险最高的区域。本研究将依托既往项目选定的调查点位，在托雷斯海峡开展重复布设诱蚊捕集与鸟类雾网采样的野外调查工作。

本项目预期成果包括：

1. 基于病媒、储存宿主及已知疫病流行率的既往与当前流行病学、生态学研究，结合岛际往来及巴布亚新几内亚（PNG）跨境交通对昆虫病媒的影响，构建托雷斯海峡全域疫病动态模型。

2. 开展野外调研项目，对我们关于疫病在各岛屿间维持与传播机制的模型进行验证与优化。

3. 基于研究结果制定适配的防控策略，以最大限度降低疫病传入相关风险。

4. 提升北昆士兰州在病媒与疫病鉴定及采样方面的专业能力。