Given the interconnectedness of animal health, environmental health and human health/well-being, it is necessary to investigate the ecological context of animal disease systems that have public health, conservation or economic implications. Such host-pathogen systems are highly complex and heterogeneous, and often, our understanding of such systems is fraught with uncertainties. Our aim is to develop and use models to elucidate host-pathogen dynamics in such systems, and translate the insights gained into actionable outcomes for effective and meaningful management of diseases. At present, I continue to work on Kyasanur Forest Disease, canine rabies, and leptospirosis. I am also developing a conceptual framework for informing policies on emerging zoonoses.

With Matt Gompper (New Mexico State University). Raccoon roundworm Baylisascaris procyonis can cause clinical infections with high morbidity and mortality in several vertebrate species including humans, and therefore poses a public health as well as conservation threat. The objective of this modeling project is to develop a tool to compare and contrast interventions for effective surveillance and management of raccoon roundworms.