About the EpiCentre

The Massey University EpiCentre within the Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, is the largest veterinary epidemiology training and research centre in Australasia, and is widely considered to be one of the leading groups in the world. Under the direction of Nigel French, the Centre offers expertise in the understanding and control of disease in animal populations, the transmission of disease from animals to humans, and hazards in food of animal origin. The group is distinguished by its commitment to long-term research goals and its innovative uses of epidemiological techniques in research and problem-solving.

The EpiCentre is committed to providing quality undergraduate and postgraduate education and training, and maintains a large portfolio of national and international research activities. The Master of Veterinary Studies (MVS) programme offers training in epidemiology, food safety and public health. A large number of PhD projects provide opportunities for advanced research training. Postgraduate students appreciate the flexible nature of their research programmes which are tailored to meet their specific needs and equip them with a broad range of skills for future advancement and effective research.

Fields of research at the EpiCentre range from diseases of New Zealand livestock (such as Johnes disease in ruminant species, mastitis and lameness in dairy cattle, respiratory disease in pigs and sheep, and tuberculosis in farmed animals and wildlife) to diseases of global importance (bovine spongiform encephalopathy, foot-and-mouth disease, avian influenza), and development of more effective animal health care delivery systems for New Zealand livestock producers, and for subsistence farmers in Asia and Africa. The EpiCentre also undertakes extensive research and training in public health (e.g. leptospirosis, cryptosporidiosis) and food safety (e.g. campylobacter, salmonella, E.coli 0157).

The EpiCentre works extensively in the development and commercial application of animal health software (InterSpread, DairyWIN, PigWIN), and is also experienced in the use and integration of a wide range of software for epidemiological uses, notably geographical information systems (GIS), expert systems, multivariate analysis and simulation modelling.

The group is active in field work with both production animals, companion animals and wildlife in New Zealand, and provides consultancy services and training courses in epidemiology throughout the world. Developing countries in which group members have worked include Zimbabwe, Malawi, Uganda, Kenya, Somalia, Syria, Jordan, Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, China, Mongolia, Samoa, Brazil, Argentina, Kosovo and Azerbaijan. Close associations are maintained with similar research groups in Europe and North America.

Downloads available of EpiCentre Overview (pdfs) Booklet (1.7 mb) Brochure (1.2 mb)