46360 - Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Prophylaxis of Infectious Diseases

Learning outcomes

The aim of the course is to give an in-depth knowledge on infectious diseases that are notifiable and those that are included in lists of OIE, on Veterinarian Public Health and knowledge on epidemiology and control of infectious diseases of animals.

Teach the concepts and underlying principles of infection dynamics within human and animal populations, (environment, host and etiological agents). Quantitative methods contribution to the development of epidemiological theory and the collection and interpretation of empirical data from a number of relevant disciplines. Use of quantitative techniques in the design, implementation and evaluation of practical intervention strategies for a range of infections and diseases. Natural History of infectious disease and principle of molecular epidemiology.

Course contents

Aims of veterinary epidemiology and ecology of infectious diseases within animal and human populations in time. Disease transmission and significance of the epidemiological triangle Mathematical and statistical methods in the investigation and control of infectious disease outbreaks. Collection of epidemiological data, cost-benefit calculations to provide a framework for parameter estimation the interpretation of field and laboratory observations and approaches for the rational design of control strategies. Molecular epidemiology, characterization of infectious agents, bioinformatic for sequence and philogenetic analysis. General concepts of prevention, control and prophylaxis. European legislation on food safety and animal health and welfare. Globalisation and role of the international organisations FAO, WTO, WHO, OIE in the field of consumer protection and animal health and welfare. General epidemiology and molecular epidemiology. Role of EFSA in the risk analysis, practicals on risk assessment following the guidelines of OIE and Codex alimentarius. Developing traditional and molecular vaccines setting up innovative therapeutic tools. Principal emerging threaths in the field of animal and human health control and prevention methods.

 

Readings/Bibliography

Suggested papers and  web site resources

Teaching methods

lectures and practicals

Assessment methods

oral test

Teaching tools

power point slides, laboratories

Office hours

See the website of Alessandra Scagliarini