"Cultivation of human resources for zoonosis control"
The development of human resources is one of the major objectives of this program. This group provides active support for the development of research ability and the international activities of post-graduate and post-doctoral students. We also support the development and implementation of career paths for students who have acquired outstanding research skills. All members of this group also belong to other research groups to carry out their own research activities.

"Research on arthropod-borne protozoan infections"
In order to seek control measures for infectious diseases caused by arthropod-borne protozoans and rickettsiae, analyses of their genomes, pathogenesis and ecology will be carried out. Research subjects include pathogens in the genera Trypanosoma, Theileria and Ehrlichia found in the African continent, as well as the vector ticks and tsetse flies that transmit them. In particular, gene databases of parasites and vectors will be developed and utilized to enable analysis of the triangular relationships between parasites, vectors and mammalian hosts.

Professor, Dept. of Education and Collaboration, Research Center for Zoonosis Control

"Education and research in epidemiology of zoonoses"
In recent years, viral zoonoses including West Nile fever, tick-borne encephalitis and hantavirus infection have given rise to serious public health concerns both domestically and overseas. To provide preventive measures against these zoonoses, new diagnostic tests will be developed and epidemiological surveying will be conducted to identify the endemic areas and reservoir animals involved. The genetic, antigenic and pathogenetic characteristics of the viruses will also be analyzed.

Associate Professor, Lab. of Public Health, Dept. of Environmental Veterinary Sciences,Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine

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E-mail address : kariwa@vetmed.hokudai.ac.jp

"Education and research for establishment of animal models"
Mx and Oas1b genes are expressed in an interferon-dependent manner when infected by orthomyxoviruses and flaviviruses, respectively, and have specific antiviral activity to each virus in the host cells. Our work includes analysis of the functional mechanisms of Mx and Oas1b against orthomyxovirus and flavivirus infection, respectively. We also study the structure and function of Mx and Oas1b in feral rodents, which may be carriers of these viruses in the field.

Professor, Lab. of Laboratory Animal Science and Medicine, Dept. of Disease Control, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine

E-mail address : agui@vetmed.hokudai.ac.jp

"Education and research for control of parasitic diseases"
We continue to focus on canine parasitic diseases such as leishmaniasis, trypanosomiasis, babesiosis and echinococcosis. Our studies include the development and improvement of serological/molecular diagnostic tools for these diseases and the discovery and development of anti-parasitic compounds from natural medicinal plant sources. Research interests are also directed toward understanding the mechanisms of parasite transmission under natural environmental conditions and elucidation of the molecular/immunological mechanisms of parasite dissemination and persistence in the natural final host.

Professor, Lab. of Parasitology, Dept. of Disease Control, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine

E-mail address : kenkata@vetmed.hokudai.ac.jp

"Education and research in establishment of international networks"
As part of the development of the global network and human resources, we will conduct studies on rabies control strategies and on the epidemiology and control of leptospirosis in Sri Lanka, and will develop a network for research and training in these areas. In addition, we plan to continue expanding the roles and functions of the Hokudai International Research Center for Rabies Control at the University of Peradeniya and to further develop human resources, especially among young scientists in the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science at the university.

Professor, Dept. of Global Health and Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine

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E-mail address : tamashiro@med.hokudai.ac.jp

"Education and research in human healthcare"
We have studied the pathophysiological mechanisms of respiratory tract infection by emerging viruses such as human metapneumovirus (hMPV) and human bocavirus (HBoV). In particular, we focus on the study of (1) the development of diagnostic techniques for HBoV infection, (2) the analysis of the host immune system against HBoV infection, (3) the production of viral particles of HBoV using reverse genetic techniques, and (4) the development of an animal model of HBoV infection.

Professor, Dept. of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine

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