Thesis

(online since: 04.09.2018)

Short description of the thesis:

Histomonosis of poultry is caused by the protozoan parasite Histomonas meleagridis. In turkeys the disease often causes high mortality compared to chickens. Studies on the adapted immune response against the disease revealed several peculiarities for the two closely related avian species. However, there is no information on the role of toll-like receptors (TLRs) during the immune defense against H. meleagridis. Elucidating changes in TLR expressions during infection of immune cells of chickens reveals responses of the innate immune system and can contribute to understand the disease outcome.

Within this project, a diploma thesis is available for measuring TLR-expression by RT-qPCR using an in vitro system. The main objective is to understand the innate immune response of immune cells of chickens against parasite. Technically, you will be closely supervised and acquainted with the different molecular biology procedures.

Requirements:

• theoretical/basic knowledge of RT-qPCR or PCR

Further information:

none

Key data of the thesis:

• Duration of thesis: 5 to 7 months
• Start: asap
• Language of thesis: English

Key data of the organisational unit:

• Institute: University Clinic for Poultry and Fish
• Contact:
  Dieter Liebhart
  Send E-Mail to Dieter Liebhart
  T +43 1 25077-4728

(Online since 11.02.2021)

Short description of the thesis:

Dogs perform a wide range of expressive and comuunicative signals. Indicators of stress and/or frustration include a plethora of signals amongst which yawning, lips licking, paw lifting, stretching, immobility/freezing and panting. However, few studies investigated whether this beahviours are specific to a negative perceived situations or whether they are just a reflection of an increase in arousal (excitement). This study aims to disentangle the behavioural correlates and physiological correlates (cortisol and oxytocin) of state of high positive and negative arousal in dogs. To do so we will expose dogs to a waiting period and a visit respectivly at a veterinary clinic and at the Clever Dog Lab. The veterinarian student will perform a simulation of a basic vet visit, will help to collect saliva and urine sample, to analyse them and to code beahvioural videos.

Requirements:

Theoretical knowledge on  physiology and dog behavior.

Further information:

The student will learn how to design behavioral studies, conduct behavioral testing, analyse dog behaviours live and from videos, and will be introduced to salivary cortisol analysis (EIA) and oxytocin analysis.

Key data of the thesis:

• Duration of thesis: 6 months
• Start: July 2021
• Language of thesis: English

Key data of the organisational unit:

• Institute: Domestication Lab, Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology
• Contact: Sarah Marshall-Pescini, PhD, Priv.-Doz.
  Send E-Mail 1 to Sarah Marshall-Pescini
  Send E-Mail 2 to Sarah Marshall-Pescini
  T +39 3342714408

(Online since 21.02.2020)

Short description of the thesis:

From late 2018 until the end of 2019, many fowlpox outbreaks took place in chicken and turkey farms in Austria, affecting markedly the performance of the flocks. It is known that fowlpoxviruses can persist in the environment and that birds can get infected by inhalation or ingestion of contaminated dust or aerosols. Thus, the announced diploma thesis provides an excellent opportunity to be acquainted with techniques such as viral isolation and histopathology, which will be used to investigate dust samples from affected flocks.

Requirements:

From late 2018 until the end of 2019, many fowlpox outbreaks took place in chicken and turkey farms in Austria, affecting markedly the performance of the flocks. It is known that fowlpoxviruses can persist in the environment and that birds can get infected by inhalation or ingestion of contaminated dust or aerosols. Thus, the announced diploma thesis provides an excellent opportunity to be acquainted with techniques such as viral isolation and histopathology, which will be used to investigate dust samples from affected flocks.

Further information:

In-vitro viral replication and classical histological techniques will be performed in this project.

Key data of the thesis:

• Duration of the thesis: 3-5 months
• Start: as soon as possible
• Language of the thesis: English

Key data of the organisational unit:

• Organisational Unit: Unit for Poultry Medicine
• Contact person: Dr. Miguel Matos
  Send E-Mail to Miguel Matos
  T +43 1 25077-4734

(Online since 21.02.2020)

Short description of the thesis:

Inclusion body hepatitis (IBH), caused by fowl adenoviruses, is an economically important disease reported in chicken flocks worldwide. There are so far no licensed commercial vaccines against the disease. Ongoing research at the Clinic for Poultry, and the associated Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Poultry Vaccines (IPOV), is therefore dedicated to the development of subunit vaccines to prevent IBH. This project focuses on the investigation of samples collected during a recently performed animal study, in which a new IBH subunit vaccine, and its cross-protective potential against different fowl adenovirus serotypes, was tested.

Requirements:

Theoretical knowledge of basic molecular biology, veterinary virology and pathology.

Further information:

We are looking for an ambitious candidate with interest in learning and applying histopathological and molecular techniques (processing of organ/tissue samples for subsequent microscopical analysis, viral isolation, real-time PCR). The acquired data will contribute to assess the efficacy of the tested vaccine.

Key data of the thesis:

• Duration of the thesis: 4-6 months
• Start: as soon as possible
• Language of the thesis: English

Key data of the organisational unit:

• Organisational Unit: Unit for Poultry Medicine
• Contact person: Dr. Anna Schachner
  Send E-Mail to Anna Schachner
  T +43 1 25077-4727