This interdisciplinary PhD project will test the use of scent detection dogs as a tool to detect the mud snail intermediate hosts of the liver fluke parasite. Scent detection dogs are an efficient tool in conservation, surveying large areas and detecting cryptic species effectively, outperforming human-based methods in 90% of cases. This project will compare their efficacy with current techniques for detecting mud snails, including human searches and eDNA analysis.
The research will focus on the mud snail Galba truncatula as a model species, the primary intermediate host for the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica in the U.K. Galba trunculata is a semi-aquatic snail species, mainly found in periodically flooded, muddy habitats. It is hard to detect in its natural environment due to its small size (5-10 mm). The ability of dogs to successfully detect these intermediate hosts will allow targeted management of the environment to reduce the probability of parasite transmission to humans and animals.
Research goals will include:
Development of protocol to train dogs to accurately detect parasite host snail species and identification of factors influencing detection accuracy.
Field testing to determine dog efficiency, including comparison of dog indication with verified presence/absence using eDNA.
Assessment of the attitudes of stakeholders towards the use of dogs in parasite control.
Research Environment:
Aberystwyth University is a centre of excellence in parasite biology research. As a student, you will study within our thriving graduate research group. The OneZoo CDT also provides the opportunity to engage with researchers and PhD students across the member universities. The student will be asked to join the Ecology Detection Dogs in Britain and Ireland Working Group, who have regular meetings supporting research and detection dog training and host a graduate research conference annually.
Learning and Development Opportunities:
The supervisory team includes stakeholder representatives, and experts in parasite biology, eDNA techniques, dog training and behaviour, and social science. The project will allow the applicant to develop expertise in training dogs in eco-detection using scent training techniques. This will be supported by the lead supervisor and by industry partner Conservation Detection Dogs Northern Ireland. You will develop techniques in field work, including habitat and host identification, and molecular biology using eDNA techniques to verify intermediate host presence. You will also gain experience of surveying techniques to recruit participants and assess stakeholder engagement supported by the Farmer’s Union of Wales.
In addition to the project-specific training, there is a substantial amount of cohort training in competency and broader skills as part of the OneZoo CDT.
About you:
Applicants should possess a good degree (2:1 minimum) in a relevant area, for example, animal science, parasite biology, animal behaviour or veterinary biology. You must demonstrate enthusiasm to pursue research on zoonotic diseases. The project will require good communication skills, working closely with stakeholders and dog owners. You must also be happy working with dogs. Due to the location of the parasite host habitats and requirement for travel to recruit, train and test volunteers, the applicant should also hold a driving licence.
Please contact the lead supervisor of the project, Sarah Dalesman sad31@aber.ac.uk, to informally discuss this opportunity.
Funding:
Funding is competitive, applicants selected by the research team will be put forward for funding.
Full funding is currently available to Home and International applicants on a full and part time basis. International students who require a visa will need to check if they are eligible to study part time by contacting Visa Advice and Support (gehstaff@aber.ac.uk)
Funder: One Health for One Environment: an A-Z Approach for Tackling Zoonoses ('OneZoo') Centre for Doctoral Training funded by UKRI (BBSRC, MRC, NERC).
Tuition fees at the home/EU rate (£4,712 in 2023/4) and an annual stipend equivalent to current Research Council rates (£18,662 stipend for academic year 2023/4), plus the Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) (£8,250 RTSG).
How to apply:
Information for applicants: https://onezoo.uk/students/prospective-students/
Link to the online application; https://cardiff.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/onezoo-202425
Only successful applicants will then go on and apply to the institution.
Application deadline:
Midnight on 25th March 2024
Expected start date:
1st October 2024
3.5 years full – time / 7 years part - time