About the Quantitative Veterinary Epidemiology Group

The emphasis is on the transmission of infectious diseases within and between groups of animals and on factors that influence that transmission.

Area of expertise

Understanding mechanisms of transmission and infectious disease management in animals are the two main motivations of our work and play a role in each of our research projects.

• Dynamics: The aim is to use models to compare patterns from experiments and field observations with hypotheses regarding the mechanisms that underlie transmission dynamics.
• Drivers: The aim is to characterize hosts and pathogens traits or external factors that influence transmission dynamics.
• Methodologies:  We develop new and improved methods of model-based inference, wherein we combine statistical techniques with mechanistic modelling to infer transmission processes from data. Towards this goal, we are involved with the design and implementation of novel observational and experimental protocols.

Research into (the effects of) strategies for intervening with transmission and controlling and preventing infectious disease in populations. This research involves the statistical and modelling tools as described above combined with additional relevant knowledge on the biology of hosts, the pathogens, diagnostic tools, and control measures.

We distinguish three themes of model-based decision making:

• Preparedness
• Prevention
• Interventions for eradication, mitigation, and control

The methods are developed and used in these projects:

1. Understanding new emerging mosquito-borne viruses. (OneHealthPact)

2. Eradication of endemic infections by vaccination and supporting control measures:

• Bovine Tb,
• Foot- and Mouth disease,
• Avian Influenza.

3. Breeding against endemic infectious diseases in farmed animals.

4. Managing emerging (zoonotic) infections (Influenza, SARS-Cov-2)