Francisco Olea-Popelka, DVM, MSc, PhD
Assistant Professor, Epidemiology
Department of Clinical Sciences
Veterinary Epidemiology: Livestock, Wildlife and Humans
My research interest is epidemiology but I have special interest in the study, prevention and control of zoonoses. Specifically, my areas of interest include design of epidemiological studies, outbreak investigations, application of geographical information system (GIS) to epidemiological scenarios, data management and analysis, molecular epidemiology and modeling of diseases.
Since the year 2000, my main research area has been the study of Bovine Tuberculosis in cattle and wildlife species (the Badger, Meles meles) in the Republic of Ireland. Currently, I am an external consultant for the Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries in collaboration with University College Dublin with regards their Bovine Tuberculosis national control program.
I am a very enthusiastic scientist that enjoys getting involved in projects that can contribute to the understanding and hopefully to the solution of epidemiological issues. Ongoing projects in collaboration with other institutions are:
University College Dublin (UCD) and the Department of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries,Ireland
- Epidemiological studies relevant to the control of bovine tuberculosis in cattle and badgers in Ireland. Animal Identification and traceability systems are an important component of my research, as well slaughter plant surveillance for bovine tuberculosis in Ireland.
USDA/APHIS/CEAH/FSIS
- A tracing back system for Bovine Tuberculosis cases detected in slaughter plants: A study to enhance the current USA system.
- Leading CSU epidemiologist (Co-investigator) for the Avian Influenza
- Survival Analysis regarding Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in pigs in the USA.
In collaboration with the Palm Beach Zoo, FL, USA/Kruger National Park, South Africa
- Effects of Acid-Base, Electrolyte, Energy, and Cardio-Respiratory Imbalances during Capture and Confinement on Boma Adaptation in White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum).
- Studies related to other wildlife species at Kruger National Park, including research on Bovine Tuberculosis.
Walt Disney Animal Kingdom Zoo, Orlando, Florida, USA
- Statistical support for the Animal Nutrition Center
Laboratory Services, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
- Spatial and temporal analysis of Salmonella spp in poultry farms in Ontario.
Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology Department, CSU
- Molecular and Epidemiological studies of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis in humans.
I am a very enthusiastic teacher. I dedicate significant amount of my efforts to the development, improvement and implementation of veterinary epidemiology-related courses. Furthermore, mentoring and advising veterinary and graduate students is an activity that I consider a crucial aspect of my career. Currently, I am the faculty advisor for the Veterinary One Health Students Club.