Evolutionary Genetics of avian influenza A viruses in Australia

Summary The aim of this project is to disentangle avian influenza ecology and evolution in Australian wild birds.

Project Details

The main reservoir for avian influenza viruses is wild birds, and most of what we know about the ecology of these viruses is derived from surveillance systems in the Northern Hemisphere. Based on a few studies, the dynamics of avian influenza A viruses in Australia appear to be affected by multiple drivers. The aim of this project is to disentangle avian influenza ecology and evolution in Australian wild birds. Specifically, through the generation of sequence data, the results of this project will allow us to place the dynamics of avian influenza A viruses in Australia into a global context. This project will involve an array of laboratory techniques including RNA extraction, qPCR, virus isolation in chicken eggs, and sequencing of virus isolates. The student will learn both PC2 and PC3 laboratory techniques. There is potential for sample collection in the field (January to March) and there is further room for sequencing original specimens and comparing sequencing technologies.