Public Health Agency of Canada
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National Microbiology Laboratory

Zoonotic Diseases and Special Pathogens (ZDSP)

The Zoonotic Diseases and Special Pathogens program (ZDSP) provides national leadership and response for the identification, prevention and control of zoonotic diseases and special pathogens in Canada and abroad.

The program undertakes reference diagnostic services, infectious disease surveillance, field studies, emergency response, applied infectious disease research, biosafety training, and disease prevention activities.
The program consists of the following areas;

  • Applied & Discovery Research: Dr. Harvey Artsob, Ph.D.
  • Bacterial and Rickettsial Zoonoses Unit  
  • Cell Biology Section: Dr. James E. Strong MD, Ph.D. 
  • Chlamydia and Mycoplasma Unit
  • Field Studies: Dr. L. Robbin Lindsay, Ph.D.
  • Immunopathology Unit: Dr. Steven M. Jones, Ph.D. 
  • Pathogenesis Unit: Dr. Markus Czub, Ph.D.
  • Special Pathogens: Dr. Steven M. Jones, Ph.D.
  • Viral Zoonoses: Dr. Michael A. Drebot
  • Vector Design and Immunotherapy: Dr. Gary P. Kobinger, Ph.D.