One Health Seminar Series Presents 'Conservation Challenges of Emergent Infectious Disease in Amphibians'
By Michelle Glitzer '20, marketing and communications intern
Dr. Jim Julian, an assistant professor of biology at Penn State Altoona, will be holding a seminar about how amphibian diseases impact conservation efforts at Delaware Valley University on Wednesday, Nov. 14. The seminar will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Life Sciences Building auditorium. All are welcome, and there is no cost to attend. Guests do not need to register in advance.
“In the past two decades, the scientific community has documented hundreds of species of amphibians whose conservation is impacted by emergent infectious disease,” said Dr. Julian. “While the fungal and viral pathogens associated with these diseases do not infect humans, our activities can influence their spread and impact in amphibian communities.”
The seminar will address the global impacts of amphibian diseases on conservation, how human activities and disturbances to the environment can influence disease, and how researchers, agencies, and citizens can take action to monitor and prevent the spread of amphibian pathogens.
Dr. Julian’s research focuses on the fungal and viral pathogens that cause disease in amphibian communities. He has partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Northeast Fisheries Center to compare disease prevalence between natural and human-constructed wetlands, and he is currently evaluating methods to detect amphibian pathogen DNA in water samples from ponds. Dr. Julian enjoys engaging the public through tours of amphibian breeding ponds and participates in national and regional task teams on herpetological diseases through the organization Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation.
The presentation is being sponsored by the University’s One Health Working Group and Heritage Conservancy.
About One Health
One Health is a multi-disciplinary approach that works locally, regionally, nationally and globally to attain optimal well-being for people and society, the environment and plants, and animals. Together, the three major components make up the One Health triad, and the well-being of each is inextricably linked to the others in the triad. For a complete list of the Fall 2018 One Health Seminar Series events, please visit delval.edu/onehealth.
About Heritage Conservancy
Heritage Conservancy, an organization dedicated to preserving and protecting natural and historic heritage in Bucks and Montgomery counties, will be co-sponsoring this seminar. To learn more, please visit heritageconservancy.org.