1. PROJECT TITLE: Surveillance Design for Aquatic Animal Pathogens
2. NAME AND TITLE OF SUPERVISOR: Ms. Melanie Sheppard, Program Officer,
Dr. Andrea Osborn, Veterinary Science Specialist
3. LOCATION OF PROJECT (CITY): Ottawa, Ontario
4. CONCISE DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT:
The student will be tasked with the creation of a surveillance dossier for a single
aquatic animal pathogen (Salmon Alphavirus) in collaboration with staff in the
aquatic surveillance and epidemiology section of the Science Branch.
The surveillance dossier will be based on a template currently being developed for
Spring Viremia of Carp virus, and is expected to include:
a. A review of all factors related to the epidemiology of the disease including
the susceptible species, pathogen factors and environmental conditions;
b. A description of the locations of the species susceptible to the disease in
Canada, including a description of finfish migration patterns and movements
to demonstrate co-mingling of animals between populations;
c. A description of the populations that may be available for sampling;
d. A description of the diagnostic testing methodologies;
e. The development of species specific decision trees to define the most
vulnerable life stage, at the time that disease is most likely to occur, in both
farmed and wild populations;
f. An explanation of the rationale for choice of design prevalence;
g. A decision on the possible inference of the surveillance results to the larger
eradication area, province or country level to provide evidence for disease
freedom.
The project aligns with the CFIA’s strategic outcome of a safe and accessible food
supply and plant and animal resource base. Surveillance activities tie into CFIA’s
priority to increase focus on prevention.
5. EXPERIENCE TO BE GAINED IN REGULATORY MEDICINE:
The student will gain experience in regulatory decision making processes in the
development of surveillance activities. They will gain an understanding of the
interconnected nature of science advice, policy development, program design and
operational challenges related to surveillance activities, including the requirement
for intergovernmental and stakeholder collaboration.
The student will be exposed to CFIA’s values for the need for scientific rigour and
professional and technical competence, while considering other factors in decision
making.
6. DELIVERABLES:
The student will produce a surveillance dossier on Salmon Alphavirus that can be
shared with Policy and Programs Branch, trading partners, collaborators, and
regulated parties. The dossier will provide the science based rationale for
surveillance requirements for this agent.
Canada is currently thought to be free of Salmon Alphavirus, and the results of this
project will help to inform the need for the listing of this agent in the Reportable
Diseases Regulations.
7. PROJECT TIMELINE:
The dossier is expected to be completed by the student during their tenure with the
Aquatic Surveillance and Epidemiology Section. The proposed timeline for the three
month period would include:
a. 5 weeks on the information gathering activities
b. 5 weeks on the synthesizing activities
c. 2 weeks to complete the dossier and create a presentation of the work
8. DURATION OF PROJECT OR OTHER DATE OR TIME CONSTRAINTS (usual time
period is June - August)
There are no date or time constraints on this project, as work on surveillance design
is an ongoing activity at all times. It is expected that the student can complete the
work in the 3 month period.