2011 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) The Ohio State University Disease Ecology and Computer Modeling Laboratory (DECML) is engaged in projects to model the transmission of infectious diseases of livestock, inclusive of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), to identify behaviors that prevent or increase risk of disease transmission in the Lake Chad Basin of Africa. This work includes modeling animal movements, zoonotic disease transmission, environmental and spatial factors related to disease transmission, molecular evolution of viruses and human factors related to animal disease incidence and persistence. ARS, PIADC will conduct genetic sequence analysis of field isolates to identify carrier animals, viral determinants and associated epidemiological information. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) DECML will provide new field isolates along with detailed epidemiological information and expertise to ARS, PIADC. FMDV carrier states and viral evolution in the endemic settings will be determined through sequence analysis conducted by ARS, PIADC and results will be shared with DECML. ARS, PIADC will provide training and/or materials to the local partner laboratory (Laboratoire National Veterinaire, Garoua, Cameroon) to assist in this project. 3.Progress Report Collection of 534 samples were sent to ARS, PIADC. Information from these samples indicated a high endemicity of FMDV in the area. Information derived from this and future samples will be used to develop an integrated model of epidemiology of infectious diseases which will be used by veterinary and human health services in Cameroon and other nations in the Chad Basin. In addition, a workshop was held for herders and veterinary professionals where the current project was discussed as well as future expansion to include whole herd sampling. This project was monitored through email exchange and conference calls.