Short Description of the Thesis/Topic:
SARS-CoV-2 has demonstrated the ability to infect not only humans but also domestic and wild animals. While a wide range of species are susceptible to infection, companion animals, mink and white-tailed deer have been disproportionately investigated. Previous and current research being conducted in the Infections Epidemiology Group have focused on the positive cases reported through official channels, such as the WAHIS-WOAH, Promed-mail, as well as in the scientific literature (see: vis.csh.ac.at/sars-ani/).
The proposed thesis aims to explore events and associated variables reported in the scientific literature where investigated animals tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 , emphasizing the need for continued surveillance and One Health approaches, to monitor and manage potential zoonotic disease outbreaks. Understanding negative results is equally as important as understanding the positive ones, as it provides insights into viral transmission dynamics and zoonotic risk assessment, which can inform public health measures and surveillance.

Required Skills and Knowledge:
The ideal candidate should have strong written and spoken English skills, be able to conduct systematic literature review and data transfer to Excel. Familiarity with R programming is not mandatory but would be appreciated.

Additional Information:
The student has the option to conduct the research at the group's office and/or remotely (an Internet connection is required). Regular meetings will be scheduled for training, discussions and progress reports. Ideally, the project would start in July 2024, but specific dates can be adjusted as needed. The duration of the project is six months.

Planned duration of the thesis project:
01.07.2024 - 01.12.2024

Language of the Thesis:
English

Name of the Institute/Clinic/Unit:
Clinical Department for Farm Animals and Food System Science, Centre for Food Science and Veterinary Public Health, Group Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Contact Person for the Thesis:

• Assoc.-Prof. Amélie Desvars-Larrive,
• Mail: amelie.desvars@vetmeduni.ac.at
• Phone: 0125077-3538 

Interested candidates may reply until: 
20.06.2024

Short Description of the Thesis/Topic:
During a power blackout, various facets of on-farm livestock production are adversely impacted, compounded by the closure of rendering plants for approximately 72 hours. This results in the accumulation of animal carcasses and by-products on farms, with no collection mechanisms in place during this period. The primary objectives of this project are:

The different steps and objectives of this project are as follow:
1) Impact Assessment: Identify both direct and indirect consequences of a power blackout on animal by-products; and quantify the extent of accumulation of animal by-products on farms during a blackout.
2) Management Strategies: Define effective options to address the identified impacts of a power blackout on the management of animal by-products.
3) Cost Estimation: Evaluate the economic implications of not managing animal by-products during a blackout; Estimate the costs associated with implementing various options for the management of animal by-products during a blackout;

To achieve these objectives, the student will collect data via a survey supported by the Landwirtschaftskammer Steiermark. Moreover, we will use data from the  Verbrauchergesundheitsinformationssystem (VIS) and data provided by the rendering plant. Support will be provided for the calculation.

Required Skills and Knowledge:
- Ability to conduct literature review
- Ability to conduct interview (in German) and transfer the data into Excel file
- Driving license
- Good communication skills
- Comfortable with the English language

Additional Information:

The student will mostly work in the Team of the Veterinärdirektion - Veterinärwesen Steiermark, in Graz.
The student will receive a monthly stipend of 800 euros.
Date of start (and end) is flexible.

Planned duration of the thesis project:
15.06.2024 to 14.12.2024

Language of the Thesis:
English (communication with stakeholders will be in German)

Name of the Institute/Clinic/Unit:
Centre for Food Science and Veterinary Public Health, Clinical Department for Farm Animals and Food System Science

Contact Person for the Thesis:

• Assoc.-Prof. Amélie Desvars-Larrive, amelie.desvars@vetmeudni.ac.at, 0125077-3538  
• Dr. Hiesel Jörg (Veterinärdirektion Steiermark), joerg.hiesel@stmk.gv.at, 0316877-8763

Interested candidates may reply until: 
31/05/2024 (to A. Desvars-Larrive and J. Hiesel)

Short Description of the Thesis/Topic:
Colitis is a frequent and serious problem in horses as well as humans. The pathophysiological mechanisms are supposed to involve a complex crosstalk between immune cells and epithelial cells that results in destruction of the epithelial barrier and further progression of disease. This project aims to establish a co-culture model of equine colon epithelium and immune cells to characterize the signalling pathways involved and to test new therapeutic approaches.

Required Skills and Knowledge:
High motivation, experience in cell culture work and/or molecular biology;  
BSc degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biomedicine or a related subject 

Further Information:
We offer a highly supportive team, established methods and guidance by supervisor and colleagues.

Language of the Thesis:
German or English

Duration of the thesis:
6 months

Name of the Institute/Clinic/Unit:
Institute of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Biophysics, Department of Biomedical Sciences & Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna

Contact Person for the Thesis:
Franziska Dengler - Franziska.dengler@vetmdeuni.ac.at
Jessika Cavalleri - Jessika.cavalleri@vetmeduni.ac.at

Feedback from students requested by:
as soon as possible, flexible starting date

Please send a short CV and motivation letter.