Field Studies, Zoonotic Diseases and Special Pathogens

The Field Studies section provides reference and diagnostic services for selected zoonotic disease agents including:

• Anaplasma phagocytophilum
• Babesia microti
• Bartonella henselae
• Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease)
• Borrelia hermsii
• Ehrlichia chaffeensis
• Francisella tularensis
• Leptospira species
• Hantavirus
• Powassan encephalitis virus
• West Nile virus.

In addition, the section undertakes outbreak investigations, national surveillance and research studies related to these zoonotic disease agents. Research interests include field- and laboratory-based investigations on the factors determining the distribution and prevalence of zoonotic diseases in Canada with emphasis on tick-borne (e.g., Lyme disease), mosquito-borne (e.g., West Nile virus) and rodent-associated diseases (e.g., hantaviruses). Results of these activities are used to better inform interested parties (including the general public, non-governmental and governmental agencies) about the relative risks of contracting these zoonotic diseases in Canada and form the basis for recommendations about how best to prevent or minimize exposure to these pathogens.