Progress 09/01/08 to 08/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The objectives of this project were: 1. To develop a curriculum for a Master of Science (M.S.) degree program in "Emerging Infectious Diseases of Animals", with special emphasis on strengthening global animal and public health security; 2. To develop a curriculum for undergraduate and graduate certificates in "Emerging Infectious Diseases of Animals" with an international perspective on important issues related to global animal and public health. Outputs. A new Master of Science degree and Graduate certificate in International Infectious Disease Management and Biosecurity was approved at NDSU, Department of Veterinary and Microbiological Sciences. A new Master of Science degree in International Infectious Disease Management was approved at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity at Makerere University (MAK), Kampala, Uganda. New courses were developed & approved including: MICR 722 International Health Systems, Policy and Biosecurity (2 credits) and MICR 724 Applied Epidemiology and Biostatistics (3 credits). These courses are described in detail including the sylabi at the department website. An inaugural cohort of eight MS graduate students enrolled in the program in summer 2011 and six of the eight graduated at the end of fall 2012; 2 will graduate by end of spring 2013. An additional six MS graduate students enrolled in the program in spring 2012 and are projected to graduate by end of summer 2013. The cornestone course of the MS program "International Animal Production, Disease Surveillance and Public Health" has continued to be offered in Uganda every summer with students from East Africa, NDSU and other US institutions such as Dickinson State University, Dickinson, ND, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, University of Minnesota, The Ohio State University, Washington State University, University of California Davis, Kansas State University, Oklahoma State University and others. How Results have been Disseminated: Websites such as Department of Veterinary & Microbiological Sciences website, other forums such as at the annual meetings of the Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) One Health Committee. NDSU 'Its happening at State', College of Agriculture Food Systems & Natural Resources newsletter. A visit to all colleges in the North Dakota University System (with help of a grant of $5,000 from NDSU Graduate School and NDSU student clubs). The PI (Dr. Khaitsa) presented at annual meetings of the multistate projects including NC-1041 and NC 1202. Presentations to Faculty and students of the College of Veterinary Medicine at MAK every summer during the time when the course 'International Animal Production Disease Surveillance and Public Health' is offered. This course is normally attended by students from NDSU, other higher education institutions in US, and East Africa MAK website. International Week Events coordinated by NDSU Office of International Programs such as the Study Abroad Fair at NDSU Memorial Union in spring and fall semesters attended by several students. Seminars offered by alumni of the summer course and MS degree. PARTICIPANTS: The following individuals who worked on the project moved: Freeman, D.; Logue, C.; and Barigye, R. Opportunities for Professional Development and Training included: Visit to CDC Veterinary Day by 4 of the MS students. In collaboration with CDC, five MS students in the program attended a one month long Community engagement Project in Arizona to control Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Also all 8 students attended a Global Health course in Washington DC and visited Inter governmental organizations such as the United Nations, Food and Agricultural Organization, The World Bank, The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)and others. The PI (Dr. Khaitsa) attended a Professional Development Program "Engaging Intergovernmental Organizations" in Europe and visited and engaged with United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) and Food & Agricultural Organization (FAO) and with World Animal Health Organization (OIE) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). TARGET AUDIENCES: Students - experiential learning including study abroad in Uganda (for US students) or in US (for Ugandan students) is a life changing experience. Farming Communities - developing pamphlets, brochures to share with communities where research projects were conducted. Governments - by developing policy briefs from research conducted by graduate students. Faculty - faculty exchange and seminars, collaborative international research. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Scholarships funded 4 MS graduate students instead of 5 originally planned. Funding for the additional student was used to fund a faculty to accompany students on the study abroad course to Uganda - one of the core courses for the program. The original budget had not catered for faculty travel. The Undergraduate Certificate Program has not yet been developed -due to changes in number of faculty working on the project in the department. Some faculty moved. The following individuals who worked on the project moved: Freeman, D.; Logue, C.; and Barigye, R.
Impacts
An additional grant of $1,100,000 was obtained from USAID which funded 10 MS students through the MS degree program. Improved teaching and learning methods were developed. MICR 723 - International Animal Production, Disease Surveillance & Public Health - course materials were converted to online format in summer 2011 and taught in a distance format. The 4 weeks in Uganda now are just experiential learning in the field. Teaching aids such as videos and recorded interviews of student experiences have been produced with the help of NDSU office of Distance and Continuing Education (DCE). One of the new courses developed (MICR 722 International Health Systems, Policy and Biosecurity) is taught collaboratively with partner institutions of Washington State University, University of Minnesota and University of California Davis. Networks of faculty and students from North Dakota State University, Makerere University and other universities have been formed. There has been increased inquiries and applications from interested students at NDSU, MAK and other universities regarding the M.S. degree in International Infectious Disease Management and Biosecurity. We have added an international perspective to our research and training thus providing opportunities for faculty and student collaborations. NDSU and MAK had faculty exchange plus student research conducted at MAK. We increased access for women and students from under-represented groups in Uganda to access tertiary education programs, an equal number of female (3) and male (3) students were enrolled in the second cohort group of 6 MS-IDM students currently undergoing training. The first cohort of MS students have been successful in advancing their careers. Emma Swanson has joined medical school at the University of North Dakota since August 2012. Robert Mugabi and Michael Muleme were offered PhD programs at University of Vermont and University of Melbourne, Australia. Two MS-IDM graduates (Herbert Mukiibi & Michael Muleme) were invited to membership in NDSU's Chapter of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. Phi Kappa Phi is North Dakota State University's highest academic recognition - membership is by invitation only to NDSU's top 7.5 percent of juniors and the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students.
Publications
- Timothy R. Miller & Benon Asiimwe. 2011. North Dakota State University Prevalence of African 2 Clonal Complex in Mycobacterium bovis Isolates from Kampala-Uganda. ND-SD 2011 Joint Epscor (Experimental Program To Stimulate Competitive Research (Epscor) Conference, October 4, 2011at NDSU Memorial Union, Fargo, ND.
- Robert Mugabi, Shelley M. Horne, Birgit Pruess. 2012. Analysis of Biofilm formation in Escherichia coli K-12 ldhA mutant. North Dakota Academy of science, Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting Volume 66, April 13, 2012, Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center Bismarck, North Dakota.
- Michael Muleme, Robert Barigye, Margaret L. Khaitsa, Eugene Berry, Anthony W. Wamono. Zoonotic Borreliosis: Influence of Climatic factors on disease occurrence, Poster presented at the 9th Graduate Students Association Research and Arts Forum, North Dakota State University Memorial Union, April 12, 2012.
- Rahel Gemmeda, Margaret L. Khaitsa and J. F. Wamala. Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever Outbreak in Western Uganda: Epidemiological and Clinical Aspects. Presented at the 9th Graduate Students Association Research and Arts Forum, North Dakota State University Memorial Union, April 12, 2012.
- Gemmeda R. D., D. Landblom, Doetkott D. Muleme M. and Margaret L. Khaitsa. 2012. Prevalence and Characterization of Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) isolates O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, and O145 and virulence genes in STEC isolated from healthy feedlot and range cattle in western North Dakota. In: 72nd Annual North Central Branch of ASM (American Society for Microbiology) meeting at North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, October 12-13, 2012.
- Margaret. L. Khaitsa, David J. Kabasa, Eugene Berry, John McEvoy, Penelope Gibbs, Birgit Pruess, Jane Schuh. 2012. A Joint Degree in International Infectious Disease Management & Biosecurity, The first of its kind in the United States. North American Colleges & Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) /DOCE Conference "Celebrating and Sustaining Agriculture" University of Wisconsin, River Falls, WI. June 26 - 29, 2012.
- Annet Kyomuhangi, George Lubega, Edward Wampande, Ann Kazibwe, Alex Bobo, Luke Sebina,Michael Muleme, Robert Mugabi. Immunoprotective Potential of a Trypanosoma brucei Hypothetical Membrane Protein Keg-50. ND-SD 2011 Joint Epscor (Experimental Program To Stimulate Competitive Research (Epscor) Conference, October 4, 2011at NDSU Memorial Union, Fargo, ND.
- Herbert Mukiibi, Robert Barigye, Margaret Khaitsa, Enock Matovu. 2011. Retrospective Study of Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) cases in Otuboi Sub-county, Kaberamaido District, Uganda between 2004 and 2010; A Partial Evaluation of Stamp Out Sleeping sickness (SOS) Campaign. ND-SD 2011 Joint Epscor (Experimental Program To Stimulate Competitive Research (Epscor) Conference, October 4, 2011at NDSU Memorial Union, Fargo, ND.
- Mugabi R, Sandgren D, Born M, Leith I, Horne SM, Pruess B.M. 2012. The Role of Activated Acetate Intermediates in the Control of Escherichia coli Biofilm Amounts. Web med Central MICROBIOLOGY 2012;3(7):WMC003577
- Michael Muleme, Robert Barigye, Margaret L. Khaitsa, Eugene Berry, Anthony W. Wamono, Chrisostom Ayebazibwe. 2012. Vaccines and vaccination programs for the control of Foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks in Uganda (2001 - 2010). Journal of Tropical Animal Health & Production.[Epub ahead of print] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedterm=Foot%20and%20mouth%20disease% 20muleme].
- Michael Muleme, Robert Barigye, Margaret L. Khaitsa, Chrisostom Ayebazibwe. 2011.Review on Vaccines and Vaccination Programs for the Control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) Outbreaks in Uganda (2001 to 2010). ND-SD 2011 Joint Epscor (Experimental Program To Stimulate Competitive Research (Epscor) Conference, October 4, 2011at NDSU Memorial Union, Fargo, ND.
- Robert Mugabi, RoseAnn Miller, Jessica Nakavuma, Luke Nyakarahuka, Robert Barigye. 2011. Prevalence of Brucellosis in Selected Herds of Cattle and Goats in Kiruhura District, Uganda. ND-SD 2011 Joint Epscor (Experimental Program To Stimulate Competitive Research (Epscor) Conference, October 4, 2011at NDSU Memorial Union, Fargo, ND.
- Robert Barigye, Margaret L. Khaitsa, David Kabasa. 2011. Capacity Building in Integrated Management of Trans-boundary Animal Diseases and Zoonoses in East and Central Africa: Setting up a Diagnostic & Animal Disease Investigation Center at the College of Veterinary Medicine. ND-SD 2011 Joint Epscor (Experimental Program To Stimulate Competitive Research (Epscor) Conference, October 4, 2011 at NDSU Memorial Union, Fargo, ND.
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Progress 09/01/10 to 08/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The curriculum for a joint Master of Science degree and Graduate Certificate in International Infectious Disease Management and Biosecurity (IDM) was approved at both North Dakota State University (NDSU)and Makerere University (MAK). Two new courses were developed and approved including: 1. MICR 722- International Health Systems, Policy and Biosecurity (2 credits) 2. MICR 724- Applied Epidemiology and Biostatistics (3 credits) Improved teaching and learning methods were developed. MICR 723 - International Animal Production, Disease Surveillance & Public Health - course materials were converted into online format. Joint grant applications between faculty at NDSU and MAK were written including: Eco-health approaches to Food Security in East and Central Africa. submitted to International Development Research Centre: Canadian International Food Security Research Fund -$8,000. Grant awarded. Capacity Building in Integrated Management of Trans-boundary Animal Diseases and Zoonoses in East & Central Africa - Proposal for Setting up a Diagnostic & Animal Disease Investigation Center at the School of Veterinary Medicine, MAK - submitted to the US State Department ($323,551.60). Grant award decision pending. Another grant ($2,490,934) was submitted to the program Ecology & Evolution of Infectious Diseases (EEID)managed by NSF, NIH & USDA. A funding decision is pending. June11-July 09 2011: A total of nine students took the summer course in Uganda. Four of these students were sponsored by this grant (USDA)while 4 others were sponsored by a USAID funded grant. These 8 students are the 1st cohort of students in the NDSU-MAK joint MS degree in IDM. July 10 to August 4, 2011: The 8 MS students in the joint MS degree in IDMcompleted special research projects on several topics in Infectious diseases in Uganda as part of the MS curriculum. This research was presented as seminars in the Department of VMS. July, 2011: Memorandum of agreement was signed between NDSU & Makerere University for implementation of the joint MS degree in IDM. Dissemination Activities of the project. 1. We publicized the approved MS-degree in the NDSU It's happening at State Publication and departmental website. http://www.ndsu.edu/ihas/2011/ihas.10142011.pdf http://www.ndsu.edu/vetandmicro/students/current/graduate/infectious- disease-management/ 2. We publicized our project at NDSU student clubs-the Microbiology and Biotechnology Club and at the Food Safety-Food Science club using student members. 3. We discussed activities of the project with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Makerere University in Uganda in summer 2011 during the summer course. The course was attended by students from NDSU and University of California, Davis. 4. We publicized the program at the Study Abroad Fair at NDSU Memorial Union. Students were able to visit with the Uganda Study Abroad course coordinator (Dr. Khaitsa) as well as returned study abroad in Uganda students. 5. On return from Uganda, the students who participated in the summer 2011 course presented a seminar to the department of Veterinary & Microbiological Sciences (seminar was open to NDSU community). PARTICIPANTS: Opportunities for training or professional development provided include: Study abroad in Uganda during summer 2011, research projects conducted in Uganda, presentation at a scientific conference at NDSU, Fargo, ND. Partner organizations and collaborators include NDSU and MAK USAID funded project on Capacity Building in Integrated Management of Transboundary Animal Diseases & Zoonoses - managed by Higher Education for Development (HED) and American Council on Education (ACE). TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences are US undergraduate and graduate students who are expected to acquire knowledge on management of International infectious diseases and also develop networks and get cultural exposure. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Four MS students were enrolled in the joint NDSU/MAK degree in Infectious Disease Management & Biosecurity instead of the planned five. Funds for the fifth student were used to pay for travel expenses of a faculty to accompany students to the summer course in Uganda & the time they conducted research projects (8 weeks). This expense had been overlooked in the initial budget.
Impacts
Pre-professional students who participated in the summer 2011 course International Animal Production, Disease Surveillance and Public Health had enhanced capability of joining professional schools such as the veterinary Colleges. August 31, 2011: Margaret Khaitsa, was appointed as Chair Elect of the Public Health Committee of The Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC), serving a term from July 2011 to July 2012. This is related to her role as PI of USDA-HEC project. Collaborative research and collaborative teaching and advising of students by NDSU and Makerere University faculty in infectious disease management was accomplished. An international perspective was added to our research and training thus providing opportunities for faculty and student collaborations. Networks of faculty and students from NDSU, Makerere University and other universities such as University of California Davis were formed. The PI was invited to visit University of California Davis to recruit students for the summer course. There have been increased inquiries from interested students at NDSU, Makerere University and other universities regarding the M.S. degree in International Infectious Disease Management and Biosecurity. Students from both the US (NDSU and other institutions) and Makerere University were exposed to foreign cultures leading to cultural sensitivity. Future Initiatives of the project. In February 2012, 6 more MS-IDM students will enroll at Makerere University (funded by USAID) More courses of the MS-IDM program will be converted into distance education format The curriculum for the undergraduate certificate in International Infectious Disease Management and Biosecurity will be developed and submitted for approval at NDSU and Makerere University. The curriculum of the joint MS in IDM will be reviewed at the upcoming meeting (funded by USAID) on January 29- February 4, 2012 in Uganda to be adopted as a regional MS program in East & Central Africa.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 09/01/09 to 08/31/10
Outputs
The objectives of this project were: 1. To develop a curriculum for a Master of Science (M.S.) degree program in "Emerging Infectious Diseases of Animals", with special emphasis on strengthening global animal and public health security; 2. To develop a curriculum for undergraduate and graduate certificates in "Emerging Infectious Diseases of Animals" with an international perspective on important issues related to global animal and public health. A joint North Dakota State University (NDSU)and Makerere University (MAK) Master of Science (M.S.) degree as well as a Graduate Certificate in International Infectious Disease Management and Biosecurity was approved by NDSU college of Agriculture, Food Systems & Natural Resources curriculum committee, the NDSU Graduate Council & the Academic Affairs Committee. Approval by NDSU Faculty Senate is anticipated on January 24, 2011. Shortly thereafter, the ND State Board of Higher Education approval is anticipated by end of spring 2011 semester with the first enrolment of students expected in fall 2011. PRODUCTS: The curriculum for a joint M.S. degree and Graduate certificate in International Infectious Disease Management and Biosecurity was developed and is undergoing approval at both NDSU and MAK. New courses were developed including MICR 724-Biostatistics and Applied Epidemiology and were approved at NDSU. Approval at MAK is ongoing. The summer course International Animal Production Disease Surveillance and Public Health was successfully conducted for the fourth time in summer 2010. OUTCOMES: Enhanced capability of pre-professional students joining professional schools such as the veterinary colleges. Graduates of the summer course International Animal Production Disease Surveillance and Public Health were admitted to professional schools - Veterinary Medicine (University of Minnesota). Three students have applied to veterinary schools and results are pending. A Joint grant application (Capacity building in Management of transboundary animal diseases and zoonoses) between faculty at NDSU and MAK was submitted to USAID and granted ($1,100,000) for 2 years. A proposal ($5,000) was submitted to NDSU Graduate School & granted for recruitment of students to the program on approval. Recruitment efforts are planned for spring 2011. Online course materials have been developed for most of the core courses of the M.S. degree. DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: On return from Uganda, the PI (Dr. Khaitsa) and students who participated in the summer 2010 course International Animal Production, Disease Surveillance and Public Health presented a seminar to the Great Plains Institute of Food Safety Seminar series on October 21, 2010. The PI (Dr. Khaitsa) presented information on the project at the annual meeting of the NC-1041 multistate project Enteric Diseases of Swine and Cattle: Prevention, Control and Food Safety held December 5-7, 2009 in conjunction with The Conference of Research Workers in Animal Diseases in Chicago, IL on December 7-9, 2009. We discussed activities of the project with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Makerere University in Kampala Uganda (MAK) in summer (June -July, 2010) in Uganda during the time when the course International Animal Production Disease Surveillance and Public Health was offered. This course was attended by students from NDSU, Dickinson State University and University of Tennessee so information was disseminated to all these students. Also, MAK as the coordinator of e-learning in Eastern and Southern Africa Veterinary Colleges used this network to advertise the M.S. degree program and undergraduate and graduate certificates to other institutions in Africa. Also, during summer 2010, a joint meeting was held by Makerere university faculty and USAID project RESPOND - Emerging Pandemic Threats which has a synergistic objective of capacity building including developing a similar M.S degree in One Health. Possible future collaborations were discussed. We publicized the M.S. degree program and undergraduate and graduate certificates during the International Week Events coordinated by NDSU Office of International Programs. This was conducted at the Study Abroad Fair at NDSU Memorial Union in held in September 2010 with several students in attendance. Students were able to visit with the Uganda Study Abroad course coordinator (Dr. Khaitsa) as well as returned study abroad in Uganda students. FUTURE INITIATIVES: The summer course International Animal Production Disease Surveillance and Public Health will be conducted again for the fifth time in summer 2011. Further meetings are planned between faculty at Makerere University and NDSU and USAID grant RESPOND - Emerging Pandemic Threats to synchronize curriculum of the M.S degree. We plan to complete development of online course materials.
Impacts
Networks of faculty and students from NDSU, MAK and several other universities such as The Ohio State University have been formed. There has been increased inquiries from interested students at NDSU, MAK and other universities regarding the proposed M.S. degree in International Infectious Disease Management and Biosecurity. Currently 10 students are waiting to register for the program as soon as the program is approved. Students from the US that are planning to take the summer course in Uganda in 2011 are participating in informational or preparatory seminars at NDSU.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 09/01/08 to 08/31/09
Outputs
The objectives of this project were 1. To develop a curriculum for a Master of Science (M.S.) degree program in Emerging Infectious Diseases of Animals, with special emphasis on strengthening global animal and public health security. 2. To develop a curriculum for undergraduate and graduate certificates in Emerging Infectious Diseases of Animals. Established Timetable of Accomplishments for the reporting period January 09/01/2008 to 08/31/2009: January - May, 2009: Develop courses for the proposed MS degree program and certificate in Emerging Infectious Diseases of Animals. June - July , 2009: Offer the course International Animal Production, Disease Surveillance and Public Health in Uganda. August, 2009: Students/faculty will present seminars on experiences of the 2009 summer course International Animal Production, Disease Surveillance and Public Health. Publicize the program through university/college newsletters, local newspapers and other presentations Actual List of Activities accomplished for the reporting period January 09/01/2008 to 08/31/2009: January - May, 2009: Developed courses for the proposed MS degree program and graduate certificate in International Infectious Diseases Management & Biosecurity. June - July , 2009: Offered the course International Animal Production, Disease Surveillance and Public Health to 8 US students (6 from North Dakota State University (NDSU) and 2 from The Ohio State University) and 2 Uganda students in Uganda. August, 2009: Students who participated in the summer 2009 course in Uganda presented a seminar on their experiences to the Great Plains Institute of Food Safety at NDSU. We publicized the program to students at NDSU through brochures at international fair organized by Office of International Programs. We also conducted a straw poll survey of students from key majors (Microbiology, Pharmacy, Zoology, Animal Sciences, Food Safety and Other)and asked them about their interest in this program once approved. Of the 117 students surveyed 64 (55%), 32 (27%) and 21 (18%) said Yes, No or I don't know, respectively, to whether they were interested in this program. Also, 6 students from NDSU and Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda expressed a desire to apply to the joint M.S. program after its approval. We also publicized the program to other universities in the US (Kansas State, University of Minnesota, Michigan State, Washington State) and Canada (University of Saskatchewan) at joint meetings held under the USAID/Higher Education for Development planning meetings in East Africa and at NDSU in Fargo, ND. Additionally, NDSU office of Distance and Continuing Education advertised the program at their websites and by directly e-mailing students and faculty at NDSU and other universities that had previously expressed interest in the summer course. All accomplishments for the reporting period were met and exceeded. A curriculum for an M.S. degree and graduate certificate in International Infectious Diseases Management and Biosecurity have been developed and submited to NDSU for approval. Only the curriculum for the undergraduate certificate remains to be completed. PRODUCTS: Two computers were purchased, one each for NDSU and MAK. A joint NDSU-MAK curriculum committee was formed. Members of the joint curriculum committee have visited each others' institution to discuss curriculum development for the proposed M.S. degree and certificate programs. The curriculum for a joint M.S. degree and Graduate certificate in International Infectious Disease Management and Biosecurity has been developed and is undergoing approval at both NDSU and MAK. New courses have been developed including MICR 724-Biostatistics and Applied Epidemiology and is in the approval process at NDSU. Teaching aids such as videos and recorded interviews of student experiences have been produced with the help of NDSU office of Distance and Continuing Education (DCE). Meetings of faculty from MAK and NDSU were held at both institutions. One faculty at MAK obtained a joint appointment at NDSU as well. OUTCOMES: There was enhanced capability of pre-professional students joining professional schools such as the veterinary and medical schools. Four graduates of the summer course International Animal Production Disease Surveillance and Public Health were admitted to professional schools - Veterinary Medicine and School of Nursing college. There was improved marketability of graduates of the program as a result of the acquired global expertise in emerging infectious diseases from the summer course offered in Uganda. Two graduates of the summer course International Animal Production Disease Surveillance and Public Health were hired by The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Joint grant applications between faculty at NDSU and MAK have been written. One faculty from MAK visited NDSU to discuss and develop courses for the curriculum developed for the joint M.S. degree and certificates in International Infectious Disease Management and Biosecurity. Collaborative research projects among NDSU and MAK faculty have been developed resulting in faculty exchange visits leading to learning new techniques in infectious disease diagnosis. DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: We publicized our project in the NDSU It is happening at State Publication of July 2008 We publicized our project at NDSU student clubs-the Microbiology and Biotechnology Club and at the Food Safety-Food Science club using the club student presidents The PI (Dr. Khaitsa) presented information on the project at the annual meeting of the NC-1041 multistate project "Enteric Diseases of Swine and Cattle: Prevention, Control and Food Safety" held December 5-7, 2008 in conjunction with The Conference of Research Workers in Animal Diseases in Chicago, IL on December 7-9, 2008. We discussed activities of the project with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Makerere University in Kampala Uganda (MAK) in summer (June 6-July 13, 2009) in Uganda during the time when the course International Animal Production Disease Surveillance and Public Health was offered. This course was attended by students from NDSU, The Ohio State University and Makerere University so information was disseminated to all these students. Moreover, MAK is the coordinator of e-learning in Eastern and Southern Africa Veterinary Colleges and MAK used this network to advertise the M.S. degree program and undergraduate and graduate certificates to other institutions in Africa. We publicized the M.S. degree program and undergraduate and graduate certificates during the International Week Events coordinated by NDSU Office of International Programs. This was conducted at the Study Abroad Fair at NDSU Memorial Union in held on Tuesday, September 15th 2009 with nearly 200 students in attendance. Students were able to visit with the Uganda Study Abroad course coordinator (Dr. Khaitsa) as well as returned study abroad in Uganda students. FUTURE INITIATIVES: More course materials will be converted into distance education format including course content for the summer course International Animal Production Disease Surveillance and Public Health which is the cornerstone course for the M.S. and Certificate programs. The M.S. degree program and undergraduate and graduate certificates will be approved at NDSU and MAK. We shall develop the curriculum for the undergraduate certificate in International Infectious Disease Management and Biosecurity. Once approved, we shall publicize the program at NDSU and MAK websites and other forums such as at the annual meetings of the Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) or at the regular meetings of the Public Health and International Affairs committees of the AAVMC.
Impacts
Networks of faculty and students from NDSU, MAK and other universities in the US (The Ohio State University, Kansas State, University of Minnesota, Michigan State, Washington State), Canada (University of Saskatchewan)and East Africa (University of Nairobi, Kenya; Sokoine University of Agriculture in Tanzania; and Umutara Polytechnic University in Rwanda) have been formed. There has been increased inquiries from interested students at NDSU, MAK and other universities regarding the proposed M.S. degree in International Infectious Disease Management and Biosecurity. Currently 6 students have indicated interest to register for the course as soon as the program is approved. The project enabled us (NDSU and MAK) to win an additional planning grant of US$50,000 from USAID/HED for institutional and capacity building in higher education to plan a strategic long term project (10 years plus) in Infectious Disease Management. The final 10 year plan ($28 million)has been submitted to USAID/HED for funding. Should we succeed in acquiring the long term funding, the M.S. program we are developing will be one of the beneficiaries of that funding.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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