Wildlife Zoonoses Workshop Addresses Critical Gaps

Forty-five of the world’s experts on epidemiology, virology, ecological modeling are gathered at NIMBioS this week to put wildlife and viruses zoonoses under the microscope. Zoonoses are infectious diseases that can be transmitted from animals, such as SARS, H1N1 swine flu of last year, and West Nile Virus. Of the 1415 pathogens known to affect humans, 61% are zoonotic, and it is estimated that one new viral pathogens emerges every 18 months. The goals of the NIMBioS Investigative Workshop: Mathematical Modeling of Wildlife and Viruses Zoonoses are to define, discuss and develop approaches to address critical gaps that remain in the mathematical modeling of the ecology and natural history of zoonotic viruses. The workshop continues through Nov. 10. NIMBioS Investigative Workshops involve 30-40 participants, focus on a broad topic or a set of related topics, attempt to summarize/synthesize the state of the art and identify future directions, and have potential for leading to one or more future Working Groups. Individuals with a strong interest in the topic, including post-docs and graduate students, are encouraged to apply. If needed, NIMBioS can provide support (travel, meals, lodging) for Workshop attendees.