Vector-borne and Zoonotic Diseases

The Vector-borne and Zoonotic Diseases (VBZD) section undertakes molecular and serological diagnostic, research, and surveillance activities for:

- Vector-borne arboviruses (i.e., dengue, Zika, Chikungunya, Yellow Fever, West Nile, Powassan, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, Mayaro, Japanese Encephalitis, Cache Valley, California serogroup)

- Vector-borne bacterial and parasitic agents (Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia species, Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto and lato, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Relapsing Fever Borrelia, Orientia tsutsugamushi, and Rickettsia species (e.g., Typhus group rickettsiae, rickettsialpox, African tick bite fever, Spotted fever rickettsiae))

- Zoonotic agents (i.e., Leptospira species, Rabies virus (in pre- and post-exposure patients), Coxiella burnetii)

The section undertakes outbreak investigations through pathogen sequencing and field work, as well as national surveillance and research studies related to many additional disease agents not listed above. Research interests include field- and laboratory-based investigations on the factors determining the distribution and prevalence of VBZD in Canada with an emphasis on tick-borne, mosquito-borne, louse-borne and rodent-associated diseases. Results of these activities are used to better inform interested parties (including the general public, non-governmental and governmental agencies) about the relative risks of contracting these pathogens in Canada and abroad, and form the basis for recommendations about how best to prevent or minimize exposure to these pathogens. Applied research interests include the development and optimization of assays to detect emerging vector-borne and zoonotic pathogens, ensuring accurate laboratory diagnosis. The section also performs a reference role by providing proficiency panels, pathogen samples, and technical expertise to external clients.

Please contact nml.vbz-lnm.mvz@phac-aspc.gc.ca for any and all non-human animal or arthropod vector-borne reference, surveillance or research services.