Curriculum Vitae
2006-2008 Wageningen University (WUR): MSc Forest and Nature Conservation
Major thesis: Spring migration of two Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) populations in the Dutch Wadden Sea (NIOZ)
Minor thesis: Interference competition among Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) (NIOO-KNAW)
Minor thesis: Body condition of Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica) in relation to different roost sizes in Zambia (Birdlife Netherlands)
2000-2004 Van Hall Institute: BSc Animal Management
Thesis: Breeding success of the Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus) in the Netherlands between 1997 and 2003 (SOVON)
1998-2000 Bachelor of Honors course Social Juridical Service
1997-1998 Intermediate Professional Education Financial Administration
1992-1997 Secundary Education
Projects
Host-pathogen interaction: the effects of avian influenza viruses on free-living Mallards
Avian influenza represents one of the greatest concerns for public and animal health that has emerged from the animal reservoir in recent times. Avian influenza is a pathogen of the type A influenza virus which is adapted to avian hosts. These viruses most commonly infect wild bird species and poultry, and are also known to infect a variety of mammals, including humans. In principal low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses cause only mild diseases. In contrast to the LPAI subtypes H5 and H7, who can become highly pathogenic (HPAI) after introduction into poultry which may cause disease outbreaks (“bird flu” or “fowl plague”). Birds of wetlands and aquatic environments, particularly species of Anseriformes (ducks, swans, geese) and Charadriiformes (gulls, terns, waders) are considered to be the major natural LPAI virus reservoir. Within the order of Anseriformes and Charadriiformes, dabbling ducks of the Anas genus, and in particular Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), are found to be infected more frequently with a LPAI virus. This research project aims to study the interactive ecology of Mallards with a LPAI virus in a natural setting, by providing critical knowledge on: (1) who is the vector for the LPAI virus: residents or migrants, (2) which individuals are more susceptible for infection with a LPAI virus, (3) when do individuals become infected with a LPAI virus, and (4) what is the impact of a LPAI virus infection on the reproduction of a host.
Co-Operation
Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Selected Publications
van Dijk J.G.B., Duijns S., Gyimesi A., de Boer W.F. & Nolet B.A. 2012. Mallards feed longer to maintain intake rate under competition on a natural food distribution. Ethology 118 (2):169-177.
Duijns S., van Dijk J.G.B., Kraus R.H. & van Hooft W.F. 2011. An additional field method to sex adult Barn Swallows during the non-breeding season in Zambia: white spot length in the outer tail feather. Ostrich 82 (2): 129-133.
van Dijk J. G. B., Stienen E. W. M., Gerritsen S. & Majoor F.A. 2009. Reproductie van de Kokmeeuw in kust- en binnenlandkolonies. Limosa 82: 13-22.
Duijns S., van Dijk J.G.B., Spaans B., Jukema J., de Boer W.F. & Piersma T. 2009. Foraging site selection of two subspecies of Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica; time minimizers accept greater predation danger than energy minimizers. Ardea 97 (1): 51-59.
van Dijk J. G. B., Duijns S., Mos J. & Urbina Ruiz M. 2008. Multiformity at risk in Dutch newspapers? A case study on the ‘Probo Koala’, an environmental incident. CCP 2: 67-81.
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