Download Dr Luigi Sedda, Lecturer in Spatial Epidemiology

Dr Luigi Sedda, Lecturer in Spatial Epidemiology
Bio
I am a Lecturer in Spatial Epidemiology at CHICAS – University of Lancaster.
My main interest is in modelling biological processes and I am specialised
in analysing the geographic patterns of vector-borne diseases and
developing statistical tools for vector control (e.g. tsetse flies). I work on
both human and animal diseases, for the latter I have concentrated my
work on Bluetongue and nagana, two livestock diseases causing huge
economic losses for farmers.
Abstract
Biological and statistical models are used for mapping and modelling vector-borne diseases,
however, rarely they are combined to produce maps and tools for vector control. In addition,
geostatistics offers the tools to explicitly include the spatial and temporal dimensions in
modelling vector-borne diseases. In this talk the advantages in using a geo-bio-statistical model
are shown through an example of tsetse flies surveillance and control (the vector for nagana
in livestock and sleeping sickness in humans) in Zambia. We show how mapping immigration,
emigration, seasonality in mortality and fertility of vector populations can be the key elements
for successful disease eradication.