David Jenkins

Biography

Dr Jenkins joined the School of Agriculture and Veterinary Science, Charles Sturt University in March 2008 as a senior lecturer in parasitology. David was born in England but has strong family connections with Australia (Queensland) going back several generations. He obtained his PhD from the University of Melbourne with a study on the immunodiagnosis of tapeworm infections in dogs. David also has an MSc in immunology and a joint Hons BSc in Botany and Zoology from the University of London and has spent periods up to several years working on parasite projects overseas (Indonesia, Kenya, China, India). For 18 years prior to arriving at CSU David ran a private parasite research laboratory in Canberra. The laboratory focused on studies into the epidemiology, control and immunodiagnosis of hydatid disease (Echinococcus granulosus) in domestic animals, wildlife and humans. These studies were interspersed with part-time teaching commitments at ANU and the University of Sydney. David is an active researcher, supervises postgraduate students and undertakes consultancies for clients mainly from the veterinary pharmaceutical industry. He publishes regularly in the scientific and non-scientific press (topics include epidemiology of hydatid disease, immunodiagnosis of hydatid tapeworm infection in domestic and wild canids, use of livestock guarding animals, dingo biology/genetics) and is regularly consulted by the popular press on topics including wild canid control and parasite transmission issues.

Research Interest

David has had a long research interest in taeniid infestations in macropods, particularly Echinococcus granulosus.