On March 20, John Edwards, Emeritus Professor at Murdoch University (MU) and member of International Advisory Committee of HZAU, paid an exchange visit to our university. He delivered a report titled "Using Epidemic Approaches to Control Animal Disease Epidemics in China". Among the attendees were Peng Guiqing (associate dean of the College of Animal Sciences & Technology/College of Veterinary Medicine), Zhao Ling (director of the Department of Public Health), along with professors including Guo Aizhen, Li Shaowen, Li Wentao, Ding Yi and Peng Zhong, and over 60 faculty members and students from related majors.

In his report, Prof. John Edwards shared his views on the application of epidemiology in multi-species and interdisciplinary research, and how epidemiologists and risk managers join efforts with laboratories and other disciplines to combat key epidemics. He noted that veterinary epidemiology plays a vital role in combating diseases of different types and across various livestock, and it can help us understand the causes of disease and trace the transmission value chain. This provides a foundation for stakeholders (such as farm owners) to make informed decisions and offers valuable references for an overall epidemic control scheme.

Amid the situation where traditional infectious diseases are not yet fully under control and new infectious diseases emerge frequently, epidemiological research has become increasingly prominent. Taking H7N9 (a subvariant of avian influenza) as an example, Prof. John Edwards shared his insights on disease prevention and control based on the knowledge of epidemiological research. He said that large livestock populations, unsound production and trading system, and unique social culture are three main culprits leading to the frequent outbreaks of avian influenza in China and some other countries. Despite substantial investments on routine avian influenza surveillance, many countries have seen little effect. According to the epidemiological findings, winter and early spring are peak seasons for avian influenza. Therefore, targeted response measures to the virus based on such research could yield double effects.

After the report, the scholars furthered discussions with Prof. John Edwards. Peng Guiqing introduced the development of HZAU, and Zhao Ling reported its current disciplines, faculty and notable achievements. Prof. John Edwards appreciated our achievements and expressed his willingness to further promote bilateral cooperation in talent training and scientific research.