Avian viromics; anthropogenic and ecological effects in Berthelot’s pipit (RICHARDSON_U25DTPR)

This project is open to Home Fee Status applicants only.

Viruses represent most new pathogens that impact humans. Their emergence is often caused by close interaction between humans and wild animal populations, exacerbated by anthropogenic activities. Songbirds are often closely associated with humans but almost nothing is known about their virome even though they can carry pathogens that are transmissible to humans, pets and livestock. Understanding the factors that elevate songbird viral diversity and transmission is important to human health and commerce, and the health and persistence of wild animal populations.

Modern molecular methods, including metagenomic sequencing, now provide the tools to screen viruses in wild animals. Studies show that apparently healthy animal populations can carry an extensive virome, but generally only describe it without evaluating what affects its composition.

Berthelot’s pipit (Anthus berthelotii) exists in 14 populations across the Macaronesian archipelago. It occupies islands that vary extensively in the type and intensity of human activity present (e.g. urbanisation, poultry farming), as well natural environmental factors (e.g. altitude, rainfall)

In this exciting, multidisciplinary project -which combines fieldwork, cutting-edge molecular tools, bioinformatics and important concepts- you will characterise the pipit virome. Then by assessing virome variation within island populations you will investigate how host-virus coevolution, key anthropogenic activities and important ecological variables impact virome dynamics. This will enable better understanding of the human-songbird viral interface, the potential for zoonosis, and the evolutionary ecology of wildlife viromes.

Based within a vibrant and friendly group at at UEA (with David S Richardson, Sarah Worsley) and working with Evelien Adriaenssens (Quadram institute – also on the Norwich Research Park). These world-leading centres of excellence focus includes evolutionary biology, wildlife disease, genomics and host-microbe interactions. You will receive excellent interdisciplinary training (including field and lab work, genomics, bioinformatics and analysis) and career development from the Norwich Biosciences Doctoral training partnership.