Linking buffalo behaviour and movement ecology with risks of zoonotic disease transfer between contiguous domestic animal and human populations.

Protected areas and wildlife reserves in developing countries maintain biodiversity and can also provide economic help for local communities. However, biodiversity is threatened by spillover of various zoonotic disease from wildlife to domestic animals and vice versa. Zoonotic breakouts threaten the economy, human health, and sustainable biodiversity.

The application of remote sensing technology is one method that can be used to determine behaviour and zoonotic disease transmission routes into and from conservation areas, and thereby inform future policy. The current project provides an opportunity for interdisciplinary work including aspects of epidemiology, veterinary science, ecology, parasitology, and social science.

The project will combine the disciples of movement ecology, wildlife tracking, habitat use, geo-spatial analysis and animal behaviour with parasitology, bacteriology, and disease modelling. The broad objectives are to:

(1) Provide data on buffalo demographics, movement, and activity to assist in their management and maintenance of ecosystem integrity.

(2) Screen biological samples from buffalo inside the reserve and from agricultural animals outside the reserve to establish the presence and prevalence of pathogens/parasites. This information will allow an assessment of the potential risk of zoonotic disease outbreaks and spill-over into the local communities and livestock surrounding the reserve.

(3) Undertake questionnaire surveys of communities surrounding the reserve to understand local people's concerns of agricultural and zoonotic diseases.