Investigating the role of feral pigs in the transmission and control of African Swine Fever in Scotland

Supervisors: 

Harriet Auty, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow

Chris Jewell, School of Mathematical Sciences, Lancaster University 

Louise Matthews, School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow 

Gianluigi Rossi, EPIC & Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh 

 

Summary: 

African Swine Fever (ASF) has spread dramatically in Europe over the last few years. Outbreaks have been driven by the presence of infection in wild boar populations, making them particularly challenging and costly to control. Although Scotland’s native wild boar are extinct, there is a significant and expanding population of feral pigs, often referred to as wild boar. Data are currently lacking on this population; there is a real need to learn more about the population size, distribution and dynamics, and the potential for them to maintain and transmit African Swine Fever.

This project will focus on improving preparedness for African Swine Fever outbreaks in Scotland by studying the role of feral pigs in disease transmission and control. The project will include collating existing datasets, conducting targeted camera trapping surveys, spatial-temporal analysis of feral pig populations and development of models to assess ASF spread and control scenarios. This PhD will provide opportunities for a student to develop skills in quantitative methods including statistics, disease modelling and programming, whilst also working alongside stakeholders and policy makers to understand the wider challenges around managing feral pig populations, and African swine fever disease outbreak control.