"For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated by the big country of Canada. When Prince Edward Island was mentioned as a possibility for my external stay as part of my PhD studies, I had no doubt. In the fall of 2023, I did my external stay in Canada, visiting Ontario and PEI.
The objective of my exchange was to model the animal-human transmission of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli. During my first months at the Ontario Veterinary College, Guelph University, I engaged in productive meetings with the Public Health Agency of Canada. We discussed data availability regarding ESBL E. coli in various sources, and Campylobacter isolates from cattle. I developed a basic model for E. coli transmission in Denmark. I presented how Denmark uses surveillance data in different source attribution models to predict the origins of human infections. The presentations gave a base for engaging discussions on data availability, limitations, and future possibilities for the source attribution models.
After a month in Guelph, I went to the Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, where I spent the remaining time of my visit. Here, I worked on developing a multi-country model for E. coli based on a Bayesian modelling approach. This model aimed to include the import and export dynamics of food products. The visit started collaboration on applying the Danish source attribution methodologies to understand the farm transmission of resistance within and between dairy farms in Canada. Additionally, consider factors such as water, wind, and soil to explore the transmission pathways through the environment.
During my time in Canada, I got a better understanding of the Bayesian modelling approach and expanded my network in veterinary health to promote the One Health approach. It was a great pleasure to experience the beautiful nature of Canada, visit the busy Toronto, and meet a lot of kind people. If the chance arrives, I will definitely be going back."