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Dr Swaid Abdullah

Lecturer in Veterinary Parasitology

School of Veterinary Science
Faculty of Science
swaid.abdullah@uq.edu.au
+61 7 54601 965

Overview

Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) are known for a long time to contribute significantly to the global burden of disease. These lead to epidemics, which upset health security and affect the socio-economy of a nation. Vectors and VBDs are all sensitive to climate, and the ongoing trend of climate change and variable weather conditions may lead to a change in the global scenario of these diseases. With changes in global climate, VBDs may shift to new regions, suitable for the pathogens and their vectors, and as such may switch to new host species. Being a parasitologist, I study parasites of veterinary importance and related diseases. My special research interest lies in understanding how vectors interact with pathogens, the effect of climate change on their ecology and epidemiology, and related sustainable control strategies.

To predict future changes in the ecology and epidemiology of the vectors and VBDs, first, we need to work on and understand the three primary entities within this disease transmission system, i.e. the pathogen, vector and the host. Secondly, we need to identify the climatic and environmental requirements of the vectors and vector-borne pathogens and the underlying cycle of events which run between them to help sustain the disease in a particular region. The global distribution of various VBDs and possibilities of spill over of these diseases between various regions and animal and vector species interests me the most. In the UK, my research was focussed on molecular and spatial epidemiology of ticks and flea-borne diseases. Further, I worked on a climate-based predictive model for the global distribution and risk of Haemonchus contortus (round worm of sheep). This model predicts the survival of worm larvae on pasture, based on the temperature and precipitation data and can help to predict the future spatial and temporal distribution and spread of H. contortus. Further, this model, along with targeted selective treatment (TST) of sheep, could help in reducing the pace at which anthelmintic resistance is developing in H. contortus and may help in sustainable sheep farming.

Currently, my lab is investigating the temporal and spatial distribution of zoonotic parasites among pet dogs in various regions of Southeast Queensland. In this project, we are collecting data from dog owners through an online survey pertaining to their knowledge of risk associated with dog parasites and their transmission into humans. Also, we are collecting dog faecal samples for microscopic and PCR analysis for various parasite eggs and oocysts. The data obtained from this survey will be analysed for determining the risk of spread of parasites among dogs as well as to humans in shared spaces and the relative risk of infection between parks.

Another study being conducted in my lab is about identifying drug resistance mechanisms in canine hookworms in Australia. The study will provide a baseline data on the frequencies of SNPs, known to confer benzimidazole resistance in animal helminths.

We have recently received an NHMRC 2021 grant looking into Targeted surveillance of major zoonotic arboviral and other vector-borne diseases in Australia using spectroscopy technology. Infectious diseases transmitted by vectors represent a significant health threat to the Australian biosecurity. Detection methods used in current surveillance of these pathogens are expensive, time consuming and require highly trained personnel. We propose to conduct a set of experiments to test the best spectroscopy technique to identify infected vectors and demonstrate its capacity as surveillance tool for vector control programs against these pathogens.

I always look forward to collaborating with fellow researchers within Australia and from different parts of the world to gain different perspectives of research of my interest.

Research Interests

  • Veterinary Parasitology and Zoonoses
    My research interest is in understanding vector, pathogen and host interactions, along with the impact of climate change on their ecology and epidemiology, and related sustainable control strategies. I have an expertise in ticks and tick-borne pathogens and I am currently investigating the prevalence and spatial distribution these pathogens among wild and feral canids across Queensland state. For past 5 years, I have been working on hookworm infection in owned dogs and dogs in various adoption centres and shelter facilities across the Southeast Queensland. I am especially interested in effective worm control, prevention of zoonoses, and drug resistance development in these parasites.

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy, University of Bristol
  • Masters (Research) of Veterinary Science, Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture & Technology
  • Bachelor, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir

Publications

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Grants

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Supervision

  • Insecticide resistance in Buffalo flies infesting Australian cattle

    Master Philosophy

  • Survey of farmers¿ perceptions of gastrointestinal parasites and investigation of prevalence, impact, and control of these parasites on sub-tropical dairy cattle

    Doctor Philosophy

View all Supervision

Available Projects

  • Surveillance of efficacy of commonly used wormers against canine hookworms.

    Canine hookworms are one of the most prevalent and pathogenic gastrointestinal parasites infecting pet dogs. Hookworms reside in the gastro-intestinal tract of animals and feed on blood; infection in dogs leads to iron-deficiency anaemia, hypoalbuminemia, and enteritis, characterized by diarrhoea that may contain blood. As a principle means for treatment and prevention of hookworms in dogs, benzimidazole (BZ) or macrocyclic lactones based drugs are used on a regular basis, particularly in shelters and kennels. These drugs are inexpensive and widely available. Veterinarians, pet owners and facility managers employ these drug classes on the basis that they are safe and highly effective at preventing hookworm infection. However, sustained use of these drugs over the last half century, particularly in intensive environments such as shelters, raises the possibility that drug-resistant worm isolates have been selected over time. Resistance to multiple drug classes has already been confirmed in canine hookworms around the world, including in Australia. This is not only a concern for canine health; inability to control hookworm infections via therapeutic means could present serious public health risks due to the ability of this parasite to cause disease in humans (zoonotic disease). Hence, there is a need for a deeper investigation into the likelihood of anthelmintic resistance among canine hookworms.

    Preferred educational background

    Applications will be judged on a competitive basis taking into account the applicant's previous academic record, publication record, honours and awards, and employment history.

    A working knowledge of basic parasitological techniques and molecular biology including DNA/RNA extractions and qualitative and quantitative PCRs, microbiology techniques, handling biosecurity samples and geographical information systems would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

    The applicant will demonstrate academic achievement in the field(s) of life science, biology, entomology, infectious disease epidemiology, species ecology and the potential for scholastic success.

    A background or knowledge of biology, parasitology and geospatial modelling is highly desirable.

    Candidates will have to apply for University RTP scholarship and successful candidate will commence research in 2025. You should apply at least 3 months prior to the research quarter commencement date. International applicants may need to apply much earlier for visa reasons.

View all Available Projects

Publications

Journal Article

Conference Publication

Grants (Administered at UQ)

PhD and MPhil Supervision

Current Supervision

Possible Research Projects

Note for students: The possible research projects listed on this page may not be comprehensive or up to date. Always feel free to contact the staff for more information, and also with your own research ideas.

  • Surveillance of efficacy of commonly used wormers against canine hookworms.

    Canine hookworms are one of the most prevalent and pathogenic gastrointestinal parasites infecting pet dogs. Hookworms reside in the gastro-intestinal tract of animals and feed on blood; infection in dogs leads to iron-deficiency anaemia, hypoalbuminemia, and enteritis, characterized by diarrhoea that may contain blood. As a principle means for treatment and prevention of hookworms in dogs, benzimidazole (BZ) or macrocyclic lactones based drugs are used on a regular basis, particularly in shelters and kennels. These drugs are inexpensive and widely available. Veterinarians, pet owners and facility managers employ these drug classes on the basis that they are safe and highly effective at preventing hookworm infection. However, sustained use of these drugs over the last half century, particularly in intensive environments such as shelters, raises the possibility that drug-resistant worm isolates have been selected over time. Resistance to multiple drug classes has already been confirmed in canine hookworms around the world, including in Australia. This is not only a concern for canine health; inability to control hookworm infections via therapeutic means could present serious public health risks due to the ability of this parasite to cause disease in humans (zoonotic disease). Hence, there is a need for a deeper investigation into the likelihood of anthelmintic resistance among canine hookworms.

    Preferred educational background

    Applications will be judged on a competitive basis taking into account the applicant's previous academic record, publication record, honours and awards, and employment history.

    A working knowledge of basic parasitological techniques and molecular biology including DNA/RNA extractions and qualitative and quantitative PCRs, microbiology techniques, handling biosecurity samples and geographical information systems would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

    The applicant will demonstrate academic achievement in the field(s) of life science, biology, entomology, infectious disease epidemiology, species ecology and the potential for scholastic success.

    A background or knowledge of biology, parasitology and geospatial modelling is highly desirable.

    Candidates will have to apply for University RTP scholarship and successful candidate will commence research in 2025. You should apply at least 3 months prior to the research quarter commencement date. International applicants may need to apply much earlier for visa reasons.

This staff member is a UQ Expert for media in the following fields:

Pets, dogs, animal heath, ticks, mosquitoes, parasites, cats, disease, outbreaks, epidemiology, diagnosis

They are happy to lend their expertise to your articles or broadcasts and share their research discoveries and insights with the community via media channels.

For additional assistance with story ideas, general advice and information or help with seeking further experts, please email the UQ Media Team or telephone (07) 3365 1120.

Links

ResearcherID: A-4018-2019

ORCID: 0000-0002-5928-9086

Scopus ID: 55236307000

Personal Profile: Link

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