Cryptosporidiosis Network Ireland: Development of Skills and Knowledge to Predict Cryptosporidiosis Risk in Catchment Water
Cryptonet.ie Workshop
Contamination of surface water by Cryptosporidium spp:
A workshop on molecular biological techniques and risk assessment
Wednesday 3rd to Friday 5th June 2009
Cryptonet.ie is pleased announce a three day workshop on molecular techniques and risk assessment focused on surface water contamination by Cryptosporidium spp. from agricultural sources. All are welcome at University College Dublin, Ireland for this workshop hosted by the UCD School of Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine, and The Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (DAFF).
Participants can choose to join just the one day symposium on molecular methods and risk assessment and, if they wish one of two follow on workshops detailed below.
The one day symposium
Bringing together methodologies in molecular identification of Cryptosporidium spp. and microbial risk assessment, this symposium will be held on Wednesday June 3rd 2009. A combination of international and local speakers will present on key research issues relating to using molecular tools and risk assessment for Cryptosporidium spp. in agricultural catchments. Attendance at the symposium is welcome without participation in the concurrent practical workshops to be held on June 4th-5th 2009.
The programme of speakers will include Dr. R. Atwill (UC Davis), Prof. H Smith (Scottish Parasite Diagnostic Laboratory), Dr. R Chalmers (Cryptosporidium Reference Unit, UK) and Dr. R Lake (UEA, UK)
Workshop 1: Molecular Techniques
A two-day practical workshop, to be hosted by CVRL, Backweston, on molecular biological techniques will work towards the development of standard protocols for the detection and quantification of Cryptosporidium oocysts in various environmental matrices. This session will cover the DNA extraction from complex environmental matrices (soil, slurry and contaminated water) and the detection of Cryptosporidium spp. using real time qPCR techniques. Special attention will be dedicated to statistical analysis of real time PCR data. The programme will include demonstrations, hands-on practicals and lectures. Technical input will be provided by UCD Bioresources Research Centre, CVRL, Scottish Parasite Diagnostic Laboratory, Cryptosporidium Reference Unit, UK and Tataa Biocentre.
The workshop organizers will assist participants with arranging accommodation near Backweston and transport will be provided as needed during the workshop.
Workshop 2: Microbial Risk Assessment
A one-day workshop, hosted by UCD Bioresources Research Centre, will address risk assessment techniques applied to the study of non point source agricultural pollution. Using a participatory-based approach to teaching and learning, attendees will have the opportunity to use software tools and contribute to in-depth discussions, share experiences, and exchange resources on a variety of thematic topics such as Microbial and Ecological Risk Assessment, Risk Based Site Evaluation and Cryptosporidium Epidemiology. Participants will develop a sound understanding in developing conceptual risk assessment models and semi-quantitative methods in describing microbiological risk.
Registration details can be found here
Programme details can be found here for:
There are many accommodation options at various price points on or near the Belfield campus. Details can be found here. Please contact the organizers if further assistance is required.
The scientific objective of the Cryptonet.ie project is to develop a Cryptosporidium specific Microbial Risk Assessment (MRA) model for catchment waters that can be used to identify when potable water is at high risk of being contaminated
European Commission
6th Framework Programme
Marie Curie Host Fellowship
Transfer of Knowledge
Postponed until later in the year
UCD Bioresources Research Centre, Biosystems Engineering
UCD School of Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine