Natural Resistance to Disease

Domestic and livestock zoonotic diseases have a significant impact on species conservation efforts, human health, and the economy. The incidence, transmission, treatment, and prevention of zoonotic diseases are directly influenced by the genetic makeup and dynamics of populations and species, the combined effect of which impact the long-term conservation of species. My research focuses on the identification of genetic variants (mutations) in the host genome that influence natural resistance to infectious diseases. Previous work in this area has included the study of Rhodococcus equi pneumonia in foals and brucellosis in bison and other wildlife species.