RVC Supervisor(s): Dr Sian Frosini, Dr Rowena Packer, Dr Rosanne Jepson

Department: Pathobiology and Population Sciences

Background, aims and objectives:

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues to pose an increasing threat to animal health. Escalating isolation of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) causing infections in dogs leads to few licensed antimicrobials available for treatment. However, the risk of MDROs extends beyond clinical infection; detection of these bacteria from the skin or gut in healthy dogs (“carriage”) is of concern, both to that individual’s risk of future infections and because it presents an invisible transmission risk within the veterinary environment and to pets/humans within the home.

The public are reliant on veterinarians to inform them of the risks of AMR and carrier status, but there are calls within the veterinary sector for better education in this area. For a practice to identify the best infection control strategies, up-to-date prevalence data for MDRO-carriage is needed. However, in the UK this has not been established since 2009 despite a vast increase in MDRO-prevalence in clinical submissions.

This project aims to (1) use non-invasive samples to determine current prevalence of MDRO-carriage in UK dogs and identify key risk factors for carriage; (2) use whole genome sequencing to investigate potential links between carriage, clinical and environmental MDRO isolates and (3) perform survey-based knowledge gap assessment across pet-owning, veterinary and para-veterinary stakeholders of the risks associated with carriage, the perception of infection control (IPC) measures and potential barriers to IPC implementation.

The project will generate data to support veterinary clinics to protect their environment and patients from potential MDRO-carriage and subsequent infection, aiming to identify cost-effective and targeted IPC measures, and equally to create materials to support veterinary and owner education about MDRO-carriage.

References

1. Dazio, V., et al. Acquisition and carriage of multidrug-resistant organisms in dogs and cats presented to small animal practices and clinics in Switzerland. J Vet Intern Med, 2021. 35(2):970-979
2. Greene C, Wilson J. The use of behaviour change theory for infection prevention and control practices in healthcare settings: A scoping review. Journal of Infection Prevention. 2022;23(3):108-117. doi:10.1177/17571774211066779
3. Werhahn Beining, M., et al. Carriage of Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli: Prevalence and Factors Associated with Fecal Colonization of Dogs from a Pet Clinic in Lower Saxony, Germany. Animals, 2023. 13(4):584.    
4. Willemsen, A., et al. Infection control practices employed within small animal veterinary practices-A systematic review. Zoonoses Public Health, 2019. 66(5):439-457.

Requirements

Essential:

• Qualified veterinary surgeon who is MRCVS-eligible (at the start date of the studentship)
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to manage multiple ongoing projects
• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team, including working within clinical environments

Desirable:

• Experience of large studies recruiting client-owned animals
• Experience in qualitative methods such as survey design and/or focus groups, and mixed methods analysis
• Experience in laboratory microbiology techniques, including molecular biology
• Familiarity with statistical packages for data analysis

Fees and Funding

This is a 3-year fully-funded studentship, funded by the Thomas Brown Fellowship Scheme, and the RVC Animal Care Trust (ACT). This funding covers 'Home' rate tuition fees, a stipend, and project consumables. 

The studentship will commence in October 2025 at the RVC's Hawkshead campus.

This studentship is open to applicants eligible for "Home" fees. International applicants are welcome to apply but must be able to fund the difference between "Home" and "Overseas" tuition fees. 

EU/EEA and Swiss national students starting studies in the 2021/22 academic year or later academic years may no longer be eligible to pay the “home” rate of tuition fees nor claim any financial support for their studies dependent on your personal circumstances (including immigration status and residence history in the UK). To help determine whether you would be eligible for home fees please see the UKCISA's 'Who pays 'home' fees for higher education in England?' guide found here.

If you are interested in applying for this PhD project, please follow the link below.  Please use your personal statement to (1) explain your interest in this specific project, (2) demonstrate any previous skills or experience you have in qualitative methods such as survey design and/or focus groups, and/or of laboratory-based microbiology techniques, and (3) explain how your communication skills will support enrolment of veterinarians and owners in this research project.

How to Apply

For more information on the application process and English Language requirements see How to Apply.

Interviews are expected to take place in person at our Hawkshead campus or remotely on Wednesday 12th March 2025.

We welcome informal enquiries - these should be directed to Dr Sian-Marie Frosini: sfrosini@rvc.ac.uk

Deadline: 12/02/2025