External research facility Valtice

Research priorities

Our research is mainly focused on ecology and eco-epidemiology of zoonotic microorganisms with main emphasis on emerging and re-emerging pathogens. The role of endotherm vertebrates (host of pathogenic agents) and haematophagous arthtropods (biological vectors) in circulation ot zoonotic pathogens as well as natural and soci-economic factors driving emergence of particular infections are intensively explored.

Reasearch facility in Valtice is well-equipped with state-of-the-art molecular devices as well as modern animal facility fulfilling all safety measures which are needed for handling with laboratory animals.

Issues addresed:

  • isolation and identification of novel microorganisms including human pathogens (microbe hunting);
  • ecology of arthropod-borne microorganisms (e.g., West Nile and tick-borne encephalitis flaviviruses, spirochaete Borrelia burgdorferi, rickettsia Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and protozoan Babesia spp.);
  • implementing ‘One health’ concept for studying emerging zoonoses;
  • risk of introduction of new mosquito invasive vectors and mosquito-borne diseases into territory of Central Europe;
  • expert advice regarding prevention and control of zoonoses (contribution to preventive human and veterinary medicine);
  • expert opinion on emerging infectious diseases.

Contact

+420 519 352 961
rudolf@brno.cas.cz

Address

Klášterní 2
691 42 Valtice

People

Research sector

head of the facility

+420 519352961, rudolf@ivb.cz, eco-epidemiology of microbial pathogens

full-time researcher

+420 519352961, zhubalek@ivb.cz, eco-epidemiology of microbial pathogens
+420 519352961, sikutova@ivb.cz, ecology of arthropod vectors

research assistant

sebesta@ivb.cz, vector-borne infections, propagation of One-Health concept

post-doc

mravcova@ivb.cz, zoonotic helminths, vector biology

undergraduate

484887@mail.muni.cz, epidemiology of selected zoonoses

Supporting sector

supporting sector

pesl@ivb.cz, technician
+420 519352961, sevcikova@ivb.cz, laboratory technician, administrative officer