Director

• Dr. Tasha Epp, Professor, Zoonoses and Epidemiology, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, WCVM

Assistant Director

• Dr. Sarah Parker, Research Associate, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, WCVM

Other Members

• Dr. John Campbell, Professor, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, WCVM
• Dr. Cheryl Waldner, Professor, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, WCVM
• Dr. Hugh Townsend, Professor Emeritus, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, WCVM
• Dr. Murray Jelinski, Professor and Alberta Chair in Beef Cattle Health and Production Medicine, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, WCVM
• Dr. Sheryl Gow, Epidemiologist, Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). Canadian Integrated Program for Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance (CIPARS)
• Dr. Joanne Tataryn, Epidemiologist, Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). Outbreak Management Division, Centre for Food-borne, Environmental and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases

Workshops

The centre offers a select number of workshops each year. These workshops focus on applied aspects of research and epidemiology. Workshops help develop the research capacity of the WCVM and University of Saskatchewan as well as providing continuing education in epidemiology to the wider community of practicing epidemiologists.

Developed workshops

Principles of data management. Intended to introduce participants to principles of good data collection and management practices using commonly available tools. Provides tips to prepare for undertaking research and data analysis and interpretation. Introduces participants to the organization of data to support and simplify statistical analysis. We also cover organizing data files of different types through the workflow of a research project. Length: one day. 

Principles of data visualization. The principles of data display, as well as an overview of options for data display and specific techniques will be covered. The focus is on key introductory concepts and techniques important in reporting clinical research. Length: one day. Often presented combined with "Data management."

Evaluation and interpretation of diagnostic tests. This workshop will explore test interpretation metrics (e.g. sensitivity and specificity), explore important approaches for evaluating diagnostic tests, and work through examples of utilizing and interpreting diagnostic tests in different settings. Length: one to two days.

Study design. A short overview of key observational study designs with practical applications and interactive exercises. Intended to give participants exposure to putting into practice concepts covered in the workshop. This workshop has a focus on application in a clinical or animal health setting. Length: one to two days.

Outbreak investigation. This workshop introduces the basic principles and steps in investigating and managing outbreaks. Focus is on detailed information and practical exercises for the key components. There is also a brief introduction to some more advanced topics related to outbreak investigation.

Contracted workshop: statistics for production and clinical trial data. Western Canadian Association Swine Veterinarians. 2018.

Contracted workshop: biostatistics refresher. A one-day workshop focusing on statistical approach and test choice using specific public health examples. Saskatchewan Epidemiology Association. October 26, 2012. Dr. Cheryl Waldner and Dr. Tasha Epp. Length: one day. 

All workshops are presented as a blend of short information sessions, interactive exercises and group sharing of learning. Typical lengths are included as reference — sometimes workshops are offered in condensed or combined form.

In addition to these developed workshops, we are able to deliver a short workshop focused on your specific analysis needs using your data as examples. Currently developed workshops are available to be delivered to interested groups; modification of content and timing is possible. If you have an interest in having us deliver a workshop, please contact us at wcvm.cae@usask.ca. 

Graduate training in epidemiology

Graduate training in epidemiology with a practical or research focus occurs at the WCVM through various faculty in the WCVM Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences. Projects cover a wide range of topics including animal health, public health and wildlife/environmental health. Master of Science (thesis and project-based) and Doctorates of Philosophy programs are offered.

The University of Saskatchewan is taking bold new steps in the study and control of disease in animal health with a new Master of Science degree program in field epidemiology. Click on the button below for more information.  

If you are interested in our graduate programs, click on the button below to visit the WCVM Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences website. 

• MSc program: field epidemiology
• Dept. of Large Animal Clinical Sciences

Ongoing research

Members of the WCVM Centre for Applied Epidemiology have ongoing research projects: 

• Canadian Cow-Calf Health and Productivity Enhancement Network (C3H-PEN)
• Community Dog Book
• Genomic ASSETS for Livestock

For information on future projects, please watch for updates on this page.

New research projects

Companion Animal Surveillance Initiative for Western Canada

The Companion Animal Surveillance Initiative (CASI) for Western Canada recognizes the importance of understanding current zoonotic disease occurrence in animals that share our homes, our food/water and our beds.

Surveillance of selected companion animal diseases will provide baseline information upon which to evaluate changes over time, specifically those driven by external forces (such as climate-driven diseases or even social contexts).

This initiative is open to all veterinary clinics and veterinarians that provide service to companion animals (dogs specifically) in Western Canada (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba). 

Project update: defining the diseases of interest

The first portion of the project has been completed and accepted for publication in the Canadian Veterinary Journal. Click the following links to view the appendices that list all pathogens identified in dogs:

• Download Appendix A
• Download Tier 1 list
• Download Appendices B, C and D

The documents specifically note zoonotic pathogens that have occurred in Canada and where the dog plays a role in understanding disease occurrence. The Tier 1 list was narrowed down through a ranking exercises to the top five pathogen groups of interest for inclusion into the surveillance initiative.

• Register for CASI
• WCVM Today article

Disease Investigation Unit (DIU)

The Disease Investigation Unit (DIU) is a long-established unit within the Large Animal Clinical Sciences (LACS) department. The DIU supports private veterinary practitioners in addressing complex and unusual animal health situations. It also enables the livestock industry to respond early and to reduce the economic impact of possible foreign animal disease incursions, emerging livestock disease or food safety crises.

• Disease Investigation Unit

Companion animals: disease investigation assistance

Do you need assistance in investigating an outbreak or disease event within your clinic’s dog population? Perhaps an outbreak in a kennel of dogs or a cattery?

The Companion Animal Surveillance Initiative has money set aside to assist clinics with investigations into companion animal-specific disease events. Financial and/or logistical support is available for the following activities:

• money to cover costs of diagnostic testing and environmental sampling/testing
• assistance with epidemiologic surveys and data analysis to help determine source/cause of the outbreak

For companion animal disease investigations, please contact Dr. Tasha Epp (tasha.epp@usask.ca or 306-966-6542) or email the Companion Animal Surveillance Initiative (compan.surv@usask.ca).