Preparing today for an uncertain tomorrow.

The purpose:

To establish an Emerging Pathogens Institute (EPI) by fusing signature disciplines at the University of Florida and creating opportunities for novel scientific interaction.

The objectives:

Develop the research capability to be prepared to prevent and contain outbreaks of new diseases that threaten Florida. Develop the teaching capability to train the next generation of scientists who will keep these pathogens at bay in the future. Develop the outreach capability to educate the people of Florida on steps they can take to avoid human diseases as well as help our private sector avoid diseases that affect plants and animals.

The problem:

Florida’s residents and its two major industries, agriculture and tourism, are threatened by new diseases that enter Florida including West Nile virus and citrus greening.

Other diseases not yet in Florida are an even larger threat such as avian flu in humans and hoof and mouth disease in cattle. Florida’s unique geography and climate require unique disease prevention and control strategies.

Why is Florida particularly vulnerable?

Florida’s wide array of temperate, sub-tropical, tropical ecosystems and its diverse agriculture are particularly vulnerable to new pathogens that thrive in our mild climate.

Recent hurricanes allow disease agents to appear and reappear from the Caribbean and Latin America simply by being wind-borne. Over 76 million tourists each year and commercial plant imports from around the world have the potential to unwittingly carry pathogens to our state from other countries.

Contact Information

J. Glenn Morris, Jr., M.D., M.P.H. & T.M. - jgmorris@ufl.edu
Director, Emerging Pathogens Institute

Lisa M. Lindsey - llindsey@ufl.edu
Administrative Assistant
Emerging Pathogens Institute
University of Florida
P.O. Box 100009
Building 62, HC Annex #1
Gainesville, FL 32610
Phone: 352-273-7526
Fax: 352-273-6890