Vet Preventative Medicine
Paul Horwood
- Professor, Promotional Chair
- paul.horwood@jcu.edu.au
Bruce Gummow
- Professor
- bruce.gummow@jcu.edu.au
Genomics for Undiagnosed Infectious Disease Evaluation and Diagnosis in Northern Australia (GUIDED-North Australia) (Old ID 23362)
Paul Horwood
01 Jan 2018 - 31 Dec 2019
The early detection and diagnosis of infectious diseases currently relies on a best guess of likely causative agents with specific testing for those agents. In this project, we aim to evaluate a genomics approach for the diagnosis of febrile illnesses of unknown cause in Northern Australia. The project will be conducted in major hospitals across three different regions of Northern Australia: Cairns (Queensland), Darwin (Northern Territory) and Broome (Western Australia). It is likely that most emerging infectious diseases initially present as undifferentiated fevers. It follows then that investigation of undifferentiated fevers provides targeted surveillance for new and emerging infectious diseases.
The ecological and evolutionary factors influencing the establishment and persistence of community associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) in resourcelimited, high-burden settings (Old ID 27344)
Paul Horwood
01 Jan 2022 - 31 Dec 2025
Our preliminary data suggests that there is high circulation of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) in the highlands of PNG. We propose a hospital- and community-based study to determine the ecological and evolutionary factors associated with the establishment of the highly virulent MRSA ST93 clone in the highlands of PNG. This study will provide vital information for clinicians, public health professionals and policy makers in PNG to guide treatment and interventions to reduce the impact of MRSA-associated AHO in the country. Indeed, these findings will also inform strategies for the treatment and prevention of MRSA-associated AHO in other resource-limited settings.
A one health approach to establish surveillance strategies for Japanese encephalitis and zoonotic arboviruses in Papua New Guinea (Old ID 26565)
Paul Horwood
06 May 2019 - 30 Jun 2021
The project aim is to establish surveillance for JEV and other zoonotic arboviruses that affect the rural population of PNG. The major objectives are to: 1. Evaluate current detection methods to detect zoonotic arboviruses in the field and laboratory, and build capacity where gaps are identified. 2. Establish surveillance at selected sites using sentinel animal (pigs, chickens) and mosquito trapping 3. Develop linkages and coordination between human and animal health agencies. The primary outputs are to develop surveillance activities that contribute to early warning for public health and provide a better understanding of the ecological drivers of arboviruses in PNG.
Strengthening the JCU-CSIRO Partnership with respect to emerging infectious diseases and biosecurity (Old ID 27710)
Paul Horwood
01 Jul 2022 - 31 Dec 2025
These funds will be used to strengthen the partnership between JCU and CSIRO to expand our collaborations on biosecurity in Northern Australia.
Improving capacity for emerging infectious diseases research and surveillance in the Indo-Pacific (Old ID 29009)
Paul Horwood
01 Jun 2023 - 31 Dec 2027
Through this initiative, a One-Health approach will be used to improve emerging infectious diseases research and surveillance in a selected country in the Indo-Pacific, thereby improving national and regional biosecurity. In collaboration with an identified regional partner, a Research Fellow will be recruited to be embedded in the partner organisation to progress a co-designed research agenda, and help develop local capacity.
Monitoring of avian influenza in samples collected from aquatic birds in North Queensland (2024)
Paul Horwood
17 May 2024 - 31 Jan 2025
At least 576 fresh faecal samples from wild ducks and magpie geese will be collected as environmental samples in the Townsville region. Swabs in transport media and immediately transported to the laboratory. Samples will be pooled and nucleic acid extracted. The extracted nucleic acid will be screened using assays based on TaqMan that will detect avian influenza. Pools that react will be individually extracted and tested. Avian influenza isolates will be checked using TaqMan specific for H5 and H7. Should the samples react in these assays it will be sent to AAHL for further testing and the CVO will be notified. Sequencing on all isolates other than those reacting in H5 and H7 will be carried out to determine genotype and to confirm pathotype.
Traditional Owner engagement for the JCU-CSIRO Community-led Biosecurity Initiative
Paul Horwood
06 Jun 2024 - 30 Sep 2025
The objective of this Project is to understand the interests and needs of Traditional Owners and have them engage with the JCU-CSIRO collaboration to develop community-led projects that will aim to reduce biosecurity risks and/or impacts. The Project will undertake steps to identify sustainable ways to reduce biosecurity risks (diseases, plant, and animal pests) in northern Queensland through creating mutually beneficial and sustainable approaches with community that improves livelihoods. The Project intends to enable Traditional Owners to develop research priorities and own and lead research projects with JCU and CSIRO researchers (that are based on these research priorities), which could develop economic opportunities and engage with regional partners to identify and reduce potential biosecurity risks.
Immunogenicity of Inovio SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine candidate in Ferrets. (Old ID 27533)
Paul Horwood
11 Feb 2022 - 30 Jun 2022
This project aims to characterise the immune responses following two doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidates produced by Inovio Pharmaceuticals. The Inovio vaccine candidates are DNA-based vaccines (as opposed to RNA-based, such as the Pfizer vaccine; or viral vector-based, such as the AstraZeneca vaccine) and rely upon the injection of a circular DNA (plasmid) that, when it gets into a cell, tells the cell to produce a particular protein from SARS-CoV-2 (in this case the Spike protein, found on the surface of the virus particle). Completion of these studies will further support the Inovio vaccine candidate along its pathway to licensure for use in humans, in the context of emerging variants of concern, thus aiding in the testing of a vaccine that may be used to protect humans from SARS-CoV-2 infection in the future.
Investigating Herpesvirus Infections in Australian Wildlife (Old ID 27327)
Paul Horwood
01 Jul 2021 - 01 Jul 2023
Many Australian wildlife populations are considered vulnerable and are threatened by various infectious agents including herpesviruses (HV)s. In Australia, HVs have been identified in wild reptiles, birds and marsupials. However, some of these viruses have been poorly characterised and tehre is a paucity of epidemiological data, which has hampered possible control measures. Also, the lack of sensitive assays for viral surveillancec has led to under-reporting of novel and known HVs in Australia. Therefore, this research will investigate herpesvirus infections in Australian wildlife. Upon completion of this project, we will be able to ascertain the circulating HV species/strains and provide current epidemiological information that could improve managerial practice and strengthen curent conservation efforts in Australia.
Strengthening Integrated Surveillance and Response for Vector-Borne Diseases in Melanesia (STRIVE 2.0)
Paul Horwood
01 Aug 2024 - 30 Jun 2028
Strengthening Integrated surveillance and response for vector-borne diseases in Melanesia.
Emerging infectious diseases pose an intensifying global health threat, especially in the context of resource constrained health systems in Low-Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) and the increasing impact of climate change in the Pacific. A pressing need therefore exists for continued surveillance, rapid diagnosis and real-time tracking of emerging infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). These functions have been articulated in regional (Asia Pacific Strategy for Emerging Diseases) and global (Global Health Security Agenda) frameworks to strengthen health security. During the first iteration of the project, STRIVE amended its operations amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, establishing multi-pathogen sero-surveillance at the Molecular Hub, measuring antibodies for SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory pathogens, to inform the COVID-19 response in PNG. This experience highlighted that despite the significant progress made through STRIVE in strengthening surveillance and outbreak response capacity in PNG, there is still a crucial need for ongoing laboratory workforce development and health systems strengthening to enable a timely and efficient use of data to inform local decision-making and response to outbreaks in both VBDs and novel pathogens.
In the next phase of STRIVE, the project will utilize the lessons learned, and foundational strengths developed in PNG to support Vanuatu and Solomon Islands in a priority pilot activity to strengthen VBD surveillance and response, whilst continuing to strengthen and expand upon the existing activities in PNG.
Toxoplasmosis epidemic in a population of urbanised allied rock‐wallabies "Petrogale assimilis" on Magnetic Island (Yunbenun), North Queensland
- 2024
- Wiley-Blackwell
- Researchers:Rachel BowaterBruce GummowTessa MackieJim Taylor
"Hospitals respond to demand. Public health needs to respond to risk": health system lessons from a case study of northern Queensland’s COVID-19 surveillance and response
- 2024
- BioMed Central
- Researchers:Tammy AllenSue DevinePaul HorwoodEmma McBrydeJeffrey WarnerSteph Topp
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01 Jan 2010
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01 Jan 2010
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01 Jan 2018
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01 Jan 2017
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01 Jan 2023
Title:
Recognition of my contribution to ANZCVS membership exams – Certificate award from the ANZCVS
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01 Jan 2022
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01 Jan 2019
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01 Jan 2016
Title:
Member of the Epidemiology Chapter of the Australian New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists
Start Date:
01 Jan 2014