Complex patterns of host-pathogen interaction: the role of behaviour in mediating the spread of infectious disease through structured host populations.

In this project, I propose to examine fundamental questions of how the social and spatial structure of host populations affects the spread and persistence of an infectious disease and the behavioural mechanisms that drive this structure. To do so, I will use the quintessential infectious disease, plague (Yersinia pestis), and the major host of plague within Central Asia, the great gerbil (Rhombomys opimus).

Keywords:BIODIVERSITY, ECOLOGY, ANIMAL RESEARCH

Disciplines:Animal biology

Project type:Collaboration project