FIVM Seminar Series presents - Birds, barns and base-pairs!

In 2022 and 2023 Canada experienced an unprecedented outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza killing more domestic and wild birds than all historical avian outbreaks combined and representing a significant One Health event. In Western Canada alone, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) detected and responded to over 218 outbreaks in domestic poultry.

Given the large number of outbreaks, novel approaches to investigating the source and spread of HPAI between infected premises were required. On Friday, November 24, Dr. Krista Howden will discuss the combination of field and molecular epidemiology approaches and methods that were used to identify the most likely source and opportunity for further spread between poultry farms.

Recognizing the complex interactions between wildlife, domestic animals and the environment and taking a multi-disciplinary approach to problem solving are key to understanding how Avian Influenza infection is introduced and spread between poultry farms.

Dr. Howden graduated with great distinction from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 1999. After 5 years in equine practice, she accepted a position with the CFIA to pursue her interest in veterinary public health. While working for the CFIA she completed a master’s in veterinary public health and epidemiology from the University of London, UK. The focus of her post-graduate training was integrating knowledge of regulatory medicine and veterinary public health with the principles of epidemiology, economics, disease control and addressing the interaction between livestock production, industry, and the public, in terms of zoonotic disease and food safety. Dr. Howden was the recipient of the Pfizer Prize for highest standing in her master’s program. She is also a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventative Medicine (2013).

Dr. Howden worked for the CFIA in various positions including a VM in meat hygiene and animal health in Operations and Programs Branches, and as a scientific advisor with the Epidemiology & Surveillance Section in Science Branch. In 2017, after 13 years with the Agency she received a National Leadership in Science Award. Dr. Howden has authored or co-authored scientific articles, epidemiology reports, and book chapters on various topics including brucellosis, tuberculosis, anaplasmosis, pandemic influenza (pH1N1), equine infectious anemia, African swine fever and avian influenza. She currently works with Alberta Health Services as an outbreak epidemiologist and also supports CFIA as a veterinary program specialist.