OR

Browse By

Dr Swaid Abdullah

Lecturer in Veterinary Parasitology

School of Veterinary Science
Faculty of Science
swaid.abdullah@uq.edu.au
+61 7 54601 965

Overview

Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) are known for a long time to contribute significantly to the global burden of disease. These lead to epidemics, which upset health security and affect the socio-economy of a nation. Vectors and VBDs are all sensitive to climate, and the ongoing trend of climate change and variable weather conditions may lead to a change in the global scenario of these diseases. With changes in global climate, VBDs may shift to new regions, suitable for the pathogens and their vectors, and as such may switch to new host species. Being a parasitologist, I study parasites of veterinary importance and related diseases. My special research interest lies in understanding how vectors interact with pathogens, the effect of climate change on their ecology and epidemiology, and related sustainable control strategies.

To predict future changes in the ecology and epidemiology of the vectors and VBDs, first, we need to work on and understand the three primary entities within this disease transmission system, i.e. the pathogen, vector and the host. Secondly, we need to identify the climatic and environmental requirements of the vectors and vector-borne pathogens and the underlying cycle of events which run between them to help sustain the disease in a particular region. The global distribution of various VBDs and possibilities of spill over of these diseases between various regions and animal and vector species interests me the most. In the UK, my research was focussed on molecular and spatial epidemiology of ticks and flea-borne diseases. Further, I worked on a climate-based predictive model for the global distribution and risk of Haemonchus contortus (round worm of sheep). This model predicts the survival of worm larvae on pasture, based on the temperature and precipitation data and can help to predict the future spatial and temporal distribution and spread of H. contortus. Further, this model, along with targeted selective treatment (TST) of sheep, could help in reducing the pace at which anthelmintic resistance is developing in H. contortus and may help in sustainable sheep farming.

Currently, my lab is investigating the temporal and spatial distribution of zoonotic parasites among pet dogs in various regions of Southeast Queensland. In this project, we are collecting data from dog owners through an online survey pertaining to their knowledge of risk associated with dog parasites and their transmission into humans. Also, we are collecting dog faecal samples for microscopic and PCR analysis for various parasite eggs and oocysts. The data obtained from this survey will be analysed for determining the risk of spread of parasites among dogs as well as to humans in shared spaces and the relative risk of infection between parks.

Another study being conducted in my lab is about identifying drug resistance mechanisms in canine hookworms in Australia. The study will provide a baseline data on the frequencies of SNPs, known to confer benzimidazole resistance in animal helminths.

We have recently received an NHMRC 2021 grant looking into Targeted surveillance of major zoonotic arboviral and other vector-borne diseases in Australia using spectroscopy technology. Infectious diseases transmitted by vectors represent a significant health threat to the Australian biosecurity. Detection methods used in current surveillance of these pathogens are expensive, time consuming and require highly trained personnel. We propose to conduct a set of experiments to test the best spectroscopy technique to identify infected vectors and demonstrate its capacity as surveillance tool for vector control programs against these pathogens.

I always look forward to collaborating with fellow researchers within Australia and from different parts of the world to gain different perspectives of research of my interest.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Veterinary Science, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Techn
  • Master of Veterinary Science, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology
  • Doctor of Philosophy, University of Bristol

Publications

View all Publications

Grants

View all Grants

Supervision

  • Insecticide resistance in Buffalo flies infesting Australian cattle

    Master Philosophy

View all Supervision

Available Projects

  • Targeted surveillance of major zoonotic arboviral and other vector-borne diseases in Australia using spectroscopy technology

    Project description

    Infectious diseases transmitted by vectors represent a significant health threat to the Australian biosecurity. Detection methods used in current surveillance of these pathogens are expensive, time consuming and require highly trained personnel. We propose to conduct a set of experiments to test the best spectroscopy technique to identify infected vectors and demonstrate its capacity as surveillance tool for vector control programs against these pathogens.

    Preferred educational background

    Applications will be judged on a competitive basis taking into account the applicant's previous academic record, publication record, honours and awards, and employment history.

    A working knowledge of molecular biology techniques including DNA/RNA extractions and qualitative and quantitative PCRs, microbiology techniques, handling biosecurity samples and geographical information systems would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

    The applicant will demonstrate academic achievement in the field(s) of life science, biology, entomology, infectious disease epidemiology, species ecology and the potential for scholastic success.

    A background or knowledge of biology, entomology, medical entomology and geospatial modelling is highly desirable.

    *The successful candidate must commence by Research Quarter 1, 2022. You should apply at least 3 months prior to the research quarter commencement date. International applicants may need to apply much earlier for visa reasons.

  • A Survey of professional and public awareness of parasitic infestation in pet dogs of Queensland

    The proposed study will work around veterinary practices and public parks in the urban and suburban areas of Queensland. The concerned small animal clinician and nurses of each practice will be asked to fill a questionnaire, asking questions about the parasites and parasitic infestations, which they consider are prevalent in their area and about the zoonotic potential of these parasites. The faecal samples collected from dogs during the survey will be brought to School of Veterinary Sciences, Gatton for analysis. Results after analysis and interpretation will be channelled back in a simplified format (pamphlets/brochures) to the veterinary practices and pet owners to improve the knowledge of practices about the prevalence of various dog parasites in their area and to educate dog owners about importance of regular treatment of their dogs and cleaning up their surrounding of dog faeces for better control of parasites and potential zoonoses.

    This study will provide a deeper insight of the extent of parasitic infestation in dogs and potential zoonoses in Queensland. It will also aid in checking the efficacy of the antiparasitic drugs and a possible drug resistance in parasites.

View all Available Projects

Publications

Journal Article

PhD and MPhil Supervision

Current Supervision

Possible Research Projects

Note for students: The possible research projects listed on this page may not be comprehensive or up to date. Always feel free to contact the staff for more information, and also with your own research ideas.

  • Targeted surveillance of major zoonotic arboviral and other vector-borne diseases in Australia using spectroscopy technology

    Project description

    Infectious diseases transmitted by vectors represent a significant health threat to the Australian biosecurity. Detection methods used in current surveillance of these pathogens are expensive, time consuming and require highly trained personnel. We propose to conduct a set of experiments to test the best spectroscopy technique to identify infected vectors and demonstrate its capacity as surveillance tool for vector control programs against these pathogens.

    Preferred educational background

    Applications will be judged on a competitive basis taking into account the applicant's previous academic record, publication record, honours and awards, and employment history.

    A working knowledge of molecular biology techniques including DNA/RNA extractions and qualitative and quantitative PCRs, microbiology techniques, handling biosecurity samples and geographical information systems would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

    The applicant will demonstrate academic achievement in the field(s) of life science, biology, entomology, infectious disease epidemiology, species ecology and the potential for scholastic success.

    A background or knowledge of biology, entomology, medical entomology and geospatial modelling is highly desirable.

    *The successful candidate must commence by Research Quarter 1, 2022. You should apply at least 3 months prior to the research quarter commencement date. International applicants may need to apply much earlier for visa reasons.

  • A Survey of professional and public awareness of parasitic infestation in pet dogs of Queensland

    The proposed study will work around veterinary practices and public parks in the urban and suburban areas of Queensland. The concerned small animal clinician and nurses of each practice will be asked to fill a questionnaire, asking questions about the parasites and parasitic infestations, which they consider are prevalent in their area and about the zoonotic potential of these parasites. The faecal samples collected from dogs during the survey will be brought to School of Veterinary Sciences, Gatton for analysis. Results after analysis and interpretation will be channelled back in a simplified format (pamphlets/brochures) to the veterinary practices and pet owners to improve the knowledge of practices about the prevalence of various dog parasites in their area and to educate dog owners about importance of regular treatment of their dogs and cleaning up their surrounding of dog faeces for better control of parasites and potential zoonoses.

    This study will provide a deeper insight of the extent of parasitic infestation in dogs and potential zoonoses in Queensland. It will also aid in checking the efficacy of the antiparasitic drugs and a possible drug resistance in parasites.

This staff member is a UQ Expert for media in the following fields:

Pets, dogs, animal heath, ticks, mosquitoes, parasites, cats, disease, outbreaks, epidemiology, diagnosis

They are happy to lend their expertise to your articles or broadcasts and share their research discoveries and insights with the community via media channels.

For additional assistance with story ideas, general advice and information or help with seeking further experts, please email the UQ Media Team or telephone (07) 3365 1120.

Links

ResearcherID: A-4018-2019

ORCID: 0000-0002-5928-9086

Scopus ID: 55236307000

Unit Links
Other Media
Social Media

Related Resources

Similar Staff
Researchers in Associated Units
Fields of Research