The objective of my project is to evaluate the impact of domestic animals on wildlife in Madagascar by focusing on disease transmission occurring between domestic animals and endemic carnivores in and around Betampona Natural Reserve. The first phase of the project will take place in Madagascar, under the mentorship of Dr. Fidisoa Rasambainarivo. Utilizing historical and newly-collected data, I will work with Dr. Rasambainarivo and his team to describe and analyze species interactions in order to better characterize risk for spread of disease, both among humans and domestic animals in the surrounding villages and among endemic mammals inside two protected areas. While our team will be screening these animals for a number of infectious diseases, the focus of my project is transmission of Toxoplasma gondii between domestic cats and wild carnivores.

Upon returning from Madagascar in the fall, I plan to perform statistical analysis and spatial modeling using data collected from radio-collared animals. I plan to analyze spatial-behavioral trends including individuals’ home range, distance moved in day, activity patterns, and habitat use. I will utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to consider whether any discernible spatial patterns are associated with seropositivity for T. gondii infection.