Kyle Richardson
Doctor of Philosophy, (Veterinary Science)
Study Completed: 2017
College of Sciences
Citation
Thesis Title
An Australian Abroad: The secret life of the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)
Read article at Massey Research Online: 
With 20% of host individuals typically contributing at least 80% of the net transmission potential of infectious agents, the effects of heterogeneity on disease spread and persistence are key considerations in modern epidemiology and infectious disease management. The superspreader hypothesis relates disease transmission to social contacts and assumes transmission is driven by the frequency, type and distribution of contacts among infected and susceptible individuals. Mr Richardson investigated the spread of bovine tuberculosis (TB) through brushtail possum populations via individual/social contacts. His research combined considerations of social behaviour and experimental infections of a novel stain of TB and employed existing possum contact networks as a possible, traceable route to track the spread of disease through an uncontrolled environment. His results showed that adult male possums exhibit social behaviours and post-infection survival rates that appear to make them key drivers of TB transmission.
Supervisors
Distinguished Professor Nigel French
Dr Bryce Buddle
Dr Daniel Tompkins
Dr Chris Jewell