BI3ZE2: Epidemiology of Zoonotic Diseases

Module code: BI3ZE2

Module provider: School of Biological Sciences

Credits: 20

Level: 6

When you’ll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Dr Glyn Barrett , email: glyn.barrett@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Dr Francoise Mazet, email: f.m.mazet@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 3 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

Zoonotic diseases (or Zoonoses) are defined as diseases which can be transmitted to humans from animals. Diseases which originate from wildlife or livestock either as hosts or vectors pose significant issues for the health and well-being of people, companion animals as well as other livestock and wild animals. This module will provide you with a detailed background and knowledge of a range of zoonotic disease-causing organisms, their hosts and vectors, symptoms associated with zoonoses and their impact on human health and the economy. You will understand the co-evolution of hosts and diseases as well as the control of zoonotic diseases through management of disease agents, their hosts and vectors. You will also learn about the role of epidemiological modelling in devising effective management strategies. Specific examples of zoonotic diseases will be discussed in this module. These will include but not be confined to: Influenza A, Covid-19, Lyme disease, Malaria, Ebola, rabies and plague. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to: 

1. Describe and discuss a range of emerging zoonotic infectious diseases, the factors and agents relating to the emergence of these diseases, and their relative importance in terms of human health and economic impacts.  
2. Describe and discuss taxonomic differences in the role of wildlife including insects as vectors of diseases which affect humans, their companion animals and livestock.  
3. Describe, discuss and critically evaluate the mechanisms and approaches used to manage diseases which involve wildlife animals and livestock as host and/or vectors at local, national and international scales.  
4. Gain experience in the review and critical analysis of primary scientific literature and the real-world implications of their studies.  

Module content

A series of lectures will cover topics relating to the epidemiology and management of zoonotic diseases. Introductory lectures will address the range of diseases and disease-causing agents (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) which affect animal and human health, economic interests including livestock and the impact of disease management on wildlife animals.  

Subsequent sets of lectures will address:  

• zoonotic diseases, including emerging infectious diseases;   
• the human-livestock-wildlife interfaces;  
• the conservation impacts of diseases;  
• success (or lack) of historical disease management strategies and the range of approaches used to combat them (e.g. disease surveillance schemes; veterinary-based approaches, including the use of vaccines; approaches aimed at controlling vector populations). 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The learning outcomes will be met through a mixture of lectures, group work, self-directed learning and directed independent study. Appropriate supplementary information and reading lists will be provided on Blackboard. 

Study hours

At least 25 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about