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EpiCentre

A World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Collaborating Centre since 2014. We provide world-class research, service and teaching in epidemiology, biosecurity and public health.

What we do

Established in 1986, EpiCentre has developed into an international focus group for veterinary epidemiology and public health. It is the largest veterinary epidemiology training and research centre in Australasia and is considered one of the leading groups in the world.

We have expertise in:

  • the understanding and control of disease in animal populations
  • the transmission of disease from animals to humans
  • hazards in food of animal origin.

We're renowned for our commitment to long-term research goals and our innovative use of epidemiological techniques in research and problem-solving.

WOAH Collaborating Centres

Logo for World Organisation for Animal Health Collaborating Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health

Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health

EpiCentre is the lead agency for this collaborating centre. Partnering with mEpiLab and China Animal Health and Epidemiology, we provide world-leading expertise in our specified fields for the Asia-Pacific region. Areas of expertise include veterinary epidemiology, veterinary public health, biosecurity and molecular epidemiology. We're pioneers in One Health research and training.

Logo for the World Organisation for Animal Health Colloborating Centre for Diagnostic Test Validation Science in the Asia-Pacific Region

Diagnostic Test Validation Science in the Asia-Pacific Region

The Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness is the lead agency for this collaborating centre. We became a member in 2017, along with the Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences at Melbourne University. We each bring a unique skill set in veterinary epidemiology, development and validation of diagnostic tests for emerging and transboundary animal diseases, and endemic animal diseases.

Our research

Fields of research at the EpiCentre range from diseases of New Zealand livestock to the development of more effective animal health care delivery systems for New Zealand livestock producers, as well as for subsistence farmers in Asia and Africa.

Examples include Johne’s disease in ruminant species, mastitis and lameness in dairy cattle, respiratory disease in pigs and sheep, and tuberculosis in farmed animals and wildlife, to diseases of global importance (bovine spongiform encephalopathy, foot-and-mouth disease, avian influenza).

The EpiCentre, in liaison with partner institutes, is engaged in extensive research and training in public health and food safety, for example:

  • leptospirosis and cryptosporidiosis
  • campylobacteriosis, salmonellosis and E.coli 0157.

Publications

Study with us

We offer the only veterinary epidemiology speciality qualification in Australasia. The Master of Veterinary Studies in Epidemiology is our flagship qualification. It has been gained by postgraduate students from over 30 countries worldwide since 1995.

Study with us and you will be taught by staff from the only WOAH Collaborating Centre for Epidemiology and Public Health.

If you would like to discuss possible postgraduate studies with us, contact Dr Emilie Vallee at e.vallee@massey.ac.nz.

Short courses for professional development

We offer the following short course.

If you have a general enquiry or would like to discuss the development of a custom short course for your organisation, contact Dr Chris Compton.

Dr Chris Compton

Dr Chris Compton

PhD, MVS, BVSc., AFHEA
Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Epidemiology
Phone
Department
School of Veterinary Science

Who we are

Our team has vast international experience in academic research and its practical implications for government and industry.

Professor Naomi Cogger

Professor Naomi Cogger

BSc (Hons) PhD
Professor in Epidemiology and Risk Analysis/Postgraduate Lead
Dr Chris Compton

Dr Chris Compton

PhD, MVS, BVSc., AFHEA
Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Epidemiology
Dr Ahmed Fayaz

Dr Ahmed Fayaz

PhD, MSc, Postgrad, PGCE, BSc Joint Hon
Laboratory Technician
Dr Jun-Hee Han

Dr Jun-Hee Han

PhD, MVSc
Research Officer
Dr Katja Isaksen

Dr Katja Isaksen

PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
Dr Art Subharat

Dr Art Subharat

PhD
Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Epidemiology
Dr Emilie Vallee

Dr Emilie Vallee

PhD, MANZCVS (epidemiology)
Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Epidemiology
 Simon Verschaffelt

Simon Verschaffelt

Technician
Dr Masako Wada

Dr Masako Wada

PhD
Research Officer

Collaborators and partners

EpiCentre and mEpiLab

In 2008, a second Massey University epidemiology group, The Molecular EpiLab (mEpiLab), was founded as an off-spring of the EpiCentre. The two form a close partnership as they provide world-class excellence in research and development of population health in animals and humans.

Learn more about mEpiLab

WOAH Collaborating Centre partners

Logo of CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Inducstrial Research Organisation), Australian Government

Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP)

ACDP helps protect Australia’s multi-billion dollar livestock and aquaculture industries, and the general public, from emerging infectious disease threats. It is a high-containment facility designed to allow scientific research into the most dangerous infectious agents in the world.

Learn more

Logo for CAHEC (China Animal Health and Epidemiology Centre)

China Animal Health and Epidemiology Centre (CAHEC)

CAHEC is a pioneer of One Health research and training in China.

Learn more

Logo for the Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory

Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory (mEpiLab)

mEpiLab is within the Hopkirk Research Institute on Massey University's Manawatū (Palmerston North) campus. Their research has improved our understanding of the epidemiology, evolution and control of infectious disease. It has also contributed to major reductions in the rates of foodborne disease in New Zealand.

Learn more

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Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences (FVAS)

FVAS, The University of Melbourne, has an international reputation for excellence in research and its links with industry and stakeholders. Their research provides valuable input into solving global issues, such as food security for a rapidly growing population, animal health and well-being, and climate change.

Learn more

Contact us

Academic contact: n.cogger@massey.ac.nz

Administrative contact: s.e.verschaffelt@massey.ac.nz

EpiCentre

Location

Physical address
Wool Building
University Avenue
Massey University 
Palmerston North 4474
New Zealand

Postal address
EpiCentre PN623
Massey University
Private Bag 11-222
Palmerston North 4442
New Zealand

Visiting us

SoVS building (Wildbase), University Avenue, Massey University