Vector- and reservoir-borne infectious diseases pose increasing challenges to animal and
human health in a changing world. Climate change, land-use alterations, and globalisation are
reshaping the distribution of vectors, wildlife reservoirs, and pathogens, creating new risks and
research questions.
This course provides an in-depth exploration of vector- and reservoir-borne diseases from the
perspectives of infection biology, ecology, and One Health. Through a series of thematic
seminars led by international experts and researchers from SLU, participants will examine the
interactions between pathogens, hosts, and vectors or reservoirs. There will be approx. 8
seminars in total (4 per semester); each seminar will be 2 hours (1 hour presentation and 1 hour
discusion).
Topics include tick-borne, mosquito-borne, midge-borne, rodent-borne, bat-borne, and avian-
borne infections, with case studies such as Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever integrating
pathogen biology, vector ecology, and environmental and climate-related aspects.
Each seminar is followed by a course-related activity for registered PhD students, providing
opportunities for critical reflection, interdisciplinary dialogue, and connection to participants’
own research projects.
Extent:
1.5 hp
Prerequisites
Admitted to a postgraduate program in animal science, biology, veterinary medicine, food science,
nutrition, nursing, or related subjects, or to a residency program in veterinary science.