Joanne Connolly

Veterinary Science

Associate Professor Joanne Connolly

BSc, BVSc (Hons), PhD Syd. PGCertTer Tchg Massey

Associate Professor in Veterinary Science
Wagga Wagga
Building 294 Room 109

Joanne Connolly with platypus

Joanne graduated with a BVSc from University of Sydney, then worked in private practice in Tasmania and Queensland obtaining a broad range of veterinary experience. She investigated mucormycosis in the platypus in Tasmania, followed by a PhD on infectious disease in koala and platypus at the USyd. Joanne moved to New Zealand to lecture in veterinary microbiology and public health at Massey University.

In 2005, she was a foundational staff member of the new veterinary science degree at Charles Sturt University, contributing curriculum development, teaching Veterinary Practice, Microbiology and Problem-Based Learning subjects, co-ordinating Captive Vertebrate Management, and assisting the diagnostic laboratory.

Joanne’s research interests include disease in marsupials and monotremes; indicators of successful wildlife rehabilitation (clinical examination, imaging, laboratory testing, necropsy); zoonotic enteric pathogens in livestock and pets. Joanne has supported wildlife rehabilitators and assisted during the catastrophic Black Summer bushfires and the state Wildlife Emergency Response Taskforce.

Qualifications

  • Postgraduate Certificate of Tertiary Teaching.  Massey University, New Zealand. 2004
  • PhD University of Sydney, Australia.  2000.  Immunopathological characterisation of infectious diseases of the koala and the platypus.
  • BVSc (Hons) University of Sydney, Australia. 1990
  • BSc University of Sydney, Australia. 1986. Majors: Cell Pathology and Biochemistry

Employment

  • Lecturer in Veterinary Science, CSU 2005; Senior Lecturer in Microbiology, CSU 2006 – present.
  • Lecturer in Microbiology, 2000; Senior Lecturer in Microbiology and Public Health, 2001 - 2003. Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, New Zealand.
  • Tutor in Cytology, Embryology, Histology and Anatomy I & II, 1996-1999. University of Sydney.
  • Scientific Officer, 1994-1995. Department of Primary Industry, Kings Meadows, Tasmania.
  • Veterinary Associate. 1993-1994. Albert Animal Hospital, Springwood, Queensland.
  • Veterinary Associate, 1991-1993. Launceston Veterinary Clinical Centre, Tasmania.

Joanne's teaching microbiology and/or facilitates student learning in the following subjects:

  • VSC113 Fundamentals of Veterinary Cell Biology
  • VSC310 Principles of Pathobiology
  • VSC323 Veterinary Microbiology & Parasitology
  • VSC331 Diagnosis & Critical Thinking (using problem-based learning)
  • VSC415 Population Medicine
  • VSC420 Clinical Practice 1

Subject/Course Coordination:

  • Bachelor of Veterinary Biology / Bachelor of Veterinary Science Phase 1 Discipline Lead
  • Discipline lead of Captive Vertebrate Management (CVM) & GradCertCVM course
  • Subject coordinator of BIO489 Zoo Curatorship
  • Subject coordinator of VSC323 Veterinary Microbiology & Parasitology

Joanne’s teaching philosophy:

Excellence in teaching by motivating and engaging the student. Flexibility in teaching and learning methods is required for a course to evolve and adapt to the current situation. Clinical cases should be incorporated into the lectures. Slides, overheads and video are used to illustrate and emphasize the key points. Increasingly, courses will become accessible via the internet and web-based student self-assessment will be utilised. Teaching and learning objectives should be designed, assessed annually and modified to optimise teacher and student performance. Student feedback should be encouraged.

Research Interests

  • Platypus Watch Project 
  • Health status of platypuses in Australia across their range.
  • Mucormycosis in the platypus and frog caused by the fungus Mucor amphibiorum.
  • Development of a rapid diagnostic method for feline infectious peritonitis.
  • Development of a rapid molecular method for detection of spotty liver disease in chickens.
  • Investigation of the epidemiology, pathogenicity and immunogenicity of the New Zealand Salmonella Typhimurium DT160 strain in animals and people.
  • Transmission of Campylobacter from dairy cattle faeces on pasture to water bodies via sub-soil drainage and run-off routes was investigated. Wild birds, flies and rodents were also assessed as reservoirs of Campylobacter spp. on dairy farms.
Check It Out:

Platypus sighting report form with map link

Email: jconnolly@csu.edu.au

QR Code for Platypus sighting report formGR Code

Research Output Metrics

Research Students

Massey University, New Zealand
  • Kalyani Perera (2007). Characterisation of a secreted immunogenic protein, phase-1 flagellin (FliC) of Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica Brandenburg. Doctor of Philosophy in Veterinary Microbiology, Massey University. 253 pages.
  • Pao-yin Wu (2001). A longitudinal study of Campylobacter spp. on a New Zealand dairy farm. Master of Veterinary Studies (Epidemiology), Massey University. 103 pages.
  • Joanne I. Kerslake (2003). Salmonella Brandenburg in New Zealand sheep: The development of a serological diagnostic test and a case control study. Master of Veterinary Studies. Massey University. 162 pages.
  • Solomon S. Ramabu (2002). Transmission of Campylobacter jejuni in broiler chickens. Masters in Veterinary Science in Veterinary Pathology and Public Health at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand. 110 pages.
  • Steve Motasamai (MVSc). Completed.
  • Bijay Adhikari (2003). Sparrows, flies and rodents as reservoirs of Campylobacter spp. on a dairy farm. Master of Veterinary Science. Massey University. 136 pages.
  • Yi Huang (MVSc). Completed.
Charles Sturt University
  • Lynne M. Dufty. Essential oils as potential antimicrobials for the treatment of bovine mastitis. (PhD candidate, Charles Sturt University).
  • Caitlin Shaddock. Investigation of the genetic variation in Mucor amphibiorum from the platypus and the amphibian. Bachelor of Animal Science (Honours). Charles Sturt University.
  • Rhys Powell. Development of a diagnostic tool for the identification of Staphylosococcus aureus isolated from bovine milk samples from cows with mastitis. Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Veterinary Science (Honours). Charles Sturt University.
  • Tayla Vanderneut (2016). Conservation physiology of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus): Understanding the relationships between Stress, disease and trauma In relation to clinical outcomes. 101 pages. Bachelor of Animal Science (Honours). Charles Sturt University.
  • Alexandra M. Swan (2015). Faecal Parasites and Salmonella in Captive Morelia species in Australia. Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Veterinary Science (Honours). Charles Sturt University. 40 pages.
  • Banya Banowary (2014). Detection and differentiation of Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter jejuni using multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (mPCR) and High Resolution Melting (HRM) Curve analysis. Master of Animal Science, Charles Sturt University.
  • Rachel Easman (2013). Validation of non-invasive monitoring of faecal corticosteroids in the Australian Sea Lion (Neophoca cinerea) and evaluation of the effects of storage and degradation. 66 pages. Bachelor of Animal Science. Charles Sturt University.
  • Jayne L. Milward (2012). Population Genetics of the Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) in the Murrumbidgee Catchment. Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Veterinary Science (Honours). Charles Sturt University. 47 pages.
  • Tom Claridge (2010). The health of the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) within the Murrumbidgee Catchment. Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours), Charles Sturt University. 90 pages.
  • Sarah M. Cordell (2010).  Measuring reproductive hormones, progesterone and testosterone, in the blood and excreta of the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) within the Murrumbidgee catchment. 125 pages. Bachelor of Animal Science (Honours).  Charles Sturt University.

Murdoch University

  • James Macgregor (2015). Conservation of the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus): development of a framework to assess the health of wild platypus populations. PhD, Murdoch University.

University of Western Sydney

  • Vicky Hatzis (2001). DNA characterisation of Mucor amphibiorum. BSc(Hons)
  • Queen’s Award 1983
  • Baker Ridley Memorial Prize in Animal Husbandry in Veterinary Science 1988
  • J D Stewart Essay Prize in Veterinary Science (Endotoxaemia in the horse) 1990
  • Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation Research Centre Fellowship 2011 -2012
  • Scientific Associate of the Taronga Conservation Society Australia 2011-2012
  • Wagga Mutual Credit Union Ltd CSU Safety Awareness Award 2010
  • CSU Excellence Award nomination 2019 “Veterinary microbiology and innovative teaching methods”

Book Chapters & Contributions

  • Booth R. and Connolly J. (2008). Chapter 6 Platypus. In: Medicine of Australian Mammals. L Vogelnest and R Woods (Eds). CSIRO Publishing.
  • Terio, K., McAloose, D., & St Leger, J. (Eds.). (2018). Pathology of Wildlife and Zoo Animals: Elsevier Publishers. Figure 18.26. Dermal ulceration, Mucor amphibiorum in a platypus.  Figure 18.27. Mucor amphibiorum in a platypus with dermal granulomatous inflammation.
  • Grant, T., & Fanning, D. (2007) Platypus. (4th ed.). Collingwood, Australia: CSIRO Publishing. Figure 8.4.  A skin ulcer on a Tasmanian platypus caused by infectious fungus, Mucor amphibiorum.
  • Rose, K. (2007). Wildlife Health Investigation Manual. Wildlife health in Tasmania by J Bergfeld, J Connolly, M L Conway.
  • Australian Biological Resources Study (1996). Fungi of Australia Volume 1B Introduction- Fungi in the Environment. Australian Biological Resources Study, Canberra. CSIRO Australia. 1996. Fig 31. Mucor amphibiorum x430. Fig 32. Skin ulceration by Mucor amphibiorum on platypus tail.

Reports

  • Connolly JH. (2005). Mucor amphibiorum in the platypus. Situation Report, Australian Wildlife Health Network.
  • Connolly J, Hedley MJ, lonas G, Hanly JA, Home DJ,Collins R, Donnison A, Ross C (2004). Pathogen transmission routes: farm animals to water bodies (2002-2003). Massey University Report to Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, August 2004. 35 pages.
  • Safety and efficacy reports for the Animal Remedies Board, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, NZ. 2001-2003.
  • Connolly JH. (2003). Report to Ministry of Health, NZ on the establishment of a nationally available electronic database for waterborne pathogens.
  • Connolly JH, Alley MR, Rogers LE and Leyland MJ. (2002). Objective 3: Investigation of reported isolations of Salmonella Typhimurium DT160 in bird and other animal populations in order to identify possible sources of infection. Molecular and animal-based studies on the New Zealand Salmonella Typhimurium DT160 clone to examine epidemiology, pathogenicity and immunogenicity – MAF Policy EOI-38 Final Report. 28 pages. 15th June, 2002. Environmental Science and Research and Massey University, New Zealand.

Presentations

  • Promotion of CSU’s Faculty of Science courses and my platypus project at Henty Machinery Field Days, Henty, NSW, September 2019.
  • CSU Wagga Wagga Biodiversity Sign Project 2018. Wagga Wagga Campus, NSW.
  • Invited speaker on “Mucormycosis in the platypus and the amphibian” at the Australian Society for Microbiology national conference, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Brisbane. 4th July, 2018.
  • Promotion of Science at HSC Biology Days. NaLSH Laboratories, Charles Sturt University, 2018.
  • Poster on “Haemolytic anaemia associated with Theileria sp. in an orphaned platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus)”. 64th Australian Mammal Society Meeting, University of Queensland. 2nd July, 2018.
  • Poster on “Mucormycosis in the platypus and the anuran” at the 64th Australian Mammal Society Meeting, University of Queensland. 2nd July, 2018.Poster on “Zoo, You and CSU Collaboration” at the 24th Zoo and Aquarium Association Biennial Conference.Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington, New Zealand. 23rd May 2018.
  • Poster on “Zoo, You and CSU Collaboration” at the 24th Zoo and Aquarium Association Biennial Conference.Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington, New Zealand. 23rd May 2018.
  • ‘Wildlife Handling Practical on Reptiles’ Australian Veterinary Students Conference. Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga Campus, NSW. 24th January, 2018. Janet Wild and Joanne Connolly.
  • Invited speaker on “Platypus Pursuits” at the Coolamon Rotary Club meeting at Coolamon Sports Club, 23rd October, 2017.
  • Invited speaker on “Platypus health and disease epidemiology” at The Platypus Life History, Current Threats and An Uncertain Future Conference. Harbourview Ballroom, Taronga Centre, Taronga Zoo, 30th May, 2017.
  • Invited participant to Stake-holder\expert Platypus Risk Assessment Workshop. Taronga Zoo, 31st May, 2017.
  • EduCon (Microbiology Educator’s Conference) Australian Society for Microbiology Annual Scientific Meeting. University House, ACT. 11th July, 2015. Teaching veterinary microbiology through a combination of lectures and case-based practical classes. Joanne H Connolly, Geoffrey J Dutton and Jennifer H Hyams.
  • Poster on “Haemolytic anaemia associated with theileriosis in an orphaned platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus)” by JH Connolly, GJ Dutton, RG Woodgate, S Shamsi, A Peters, and AE Kessell. 64th International Conference of the Wildlife Disease Association in Novotel Twin Waters, Maroochydore, Queensland, 26-30 July, 2015.
  • PanPac Conference (Australian Veterinary Association and the New Zealand Veterinary Association) in Brisbane. 2015. Teaching veterinary microbiology through a combination of lectures and case-based practical classes. Joanne H Connolly, Geoffrey J Dutton and Jennifer H Hyams. Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Queensland, 24-29th May 2015. Poster P3 and a 10 min VetEd talk 26th May 2015.
  • Differentiation of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli using multiplex-PCR and high resolution melt curve analysis. 26th Annual Australian Poultry Science Symposium. 11-12th February 2015. Sydney.
  • Australian Wildlife Rehabilitation Conference. Grand Ballroom, Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart, 26 – 30 May, 2014. “Platypus population health assessment in the Inglis and Seabrook catchments in Northwest Tasmania” by JW Macgregor, CS Holyoake, PA Flemming, I Robertson, SA Munks, J Connolly, K Belov, RA Lonsdale and K Warren.
  • Invited speaker presentation: “Mucormycosis in the platypus and the amphibian”. 19th Congress of the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology (ISHAM). May 4 - 8 2015, Melbourne Convention Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
  • Poster on Genotyping of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli using multiplex-PCR and high resolution melt curve analysis (#249) Banya Banowary, Subir Sarker, Joanne J Connolly, Jeremy Chenu, Peter Groves, Michelle Ayton, Shane Raidal, Seyed Ali Ghorashi.
  • Invited speaker presentation on Mucor amphibiorum infection in the platypus and amphibian. MSD Australian & New Zealand Mycoses Interest Group (ANZMIG) of the Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases (ASID). Meeting at Sheraton on the Park, Sydney on 7th December 2012.
  • Australian Veterinary Association Conference. Canberra Convention Centre. 13-18 May, 2012. “Platypus population health in a Tasmanian river catchment and influence of land use practices.” J.W. Macgregor, K.S. Warren, P.A. Fleming, I.D. Robertson, P. Irwin, S.A. Munks, J.H. Connolly, K. Belov, R.A. Lonsdale, C.S. Holyoake.
  • Wildlife Disease Association (Australasian Section) Conference 12 – 17 December, 2010. Dover, Tasmania. Captures, physical characteristics and health of the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) within the Murrumbidgee Catchment. Joanne Connolly, Tom Claridge, Geoffrey Dutton and Ian Links. Presentation by Joanne Connolly.
  • Obendorf D, Lloyd S and Connolly J. (2007). “Tasmanian Platypus Alert: Are the platypuses in your area healthy?” pamphlet. A project sponsored by the Central North Field Naturalists Inc., Weegena, Tasmania.
  • Banksia Women in Research Forum, Charles Sturt University, Albury/Thurgoona campus, February 2006.
  • Biotechnology Conference, 16-19th November, 2002. Auckland. Bijay Adhikari, Joanne H. Connolly, Per Madie and Davies PR. Sparrows, flies and rodents as reservoirs of Campylobacter spp. on a dairy farm.
  • Microbes and Molecules Conference, Christchurch. 26th November, 2002. Presentation by Bijay Adhikari, Joanne H. Connolly, Per Madie and Peter R Davies PR. Sparrows, flies and rodents as reservoirs of Campylobacter spp. on a dairy farm.
  • Invited speaker at the Annual Manawatu Medical Research Colloquium, Palmerston North. 14th August, 2002. Seminar by Joanne H. Connolly. Epidemiology of Salmonella Typhimurium DT160.
  • International Union of Microbiological Societies – The World of Microbes. 27th July – 1st August, 2002. Palais des Congrès, Paris, France. Presentation by CM Nicol, JM Bennett, JH Connolly, MG Baker, CN Thornley and GF Mackereth. The Emergence of S Typhimurium DT 160 as a Human and Animal Pathogen in New Zealand.
  • Annual Conference of Wildlife Disease Association (Australasian Section), Mary River Park, Northern Territory, Australia. 30th June – 6th July, 2002. Seminar by JH Connolly, MR Alley, MJ Leyland and LE Rogers. Salmonella Typhimurium DT160 emergence in animals and people in New Zealand.
  • Poster presented on “Salmonella species in pinnipeds in New Zealand.” At the 14th Biennial Meeting of the Society for Marine Mammalogy, 28th November - 3rd December, 2001. Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre, Canada.
  • Dutton G, Duignan P, Wilkinson I and Connolly JH. (2001). Concentrations of progesterone in the serum, milk and faeces of the female New Zealand sea lion (Phocarctos hookeri) from the Auckland Islands. Veterinary Conservation Biology, Wildlife Health and Management in Australasia. Proceedings of International Joint Conference of World Association of Wildlife Veterinarians, Wildlife Disease Association (Australasian section), Australian Association of Veterinary Conservation Biologists and Wildlife Society of the New Zealand Veterinary Association. Pp. 167.
  • Invited speaker at the Enteric Zoonotic Nasties in Agriculture Workshop, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry New Zealand, Wellington. 15th October, 2001. Seminar by Joanne H. Connolly, Mike J. Hedley, David J. Horne and George Ionas. The source, transmission and persistence of pathogenic microorganisms on dairy farms.
  • New Zealand Microbiology Society Annual Conference, 18th-21st November, 2001. Copthorne Plimmer Towers Hotel, Wellington. Poster presented on “Salmonella species in pinnipeds in New Zealand.”
  • Invited speaker at the Joint International Conference of World Association of Wildlife Veterinarians, Wildlife Disease Association (Australasian section), Australian Association of Veterinary Conservation Biologists and Wildlife Society of the New Zealand Veterinary Association. Taronga Zoo, Sydney. 1-6th July, 2001. Seminar by JH Connolly, DL Obendorf, and RJ Whittington. Mucor amphibiorum infection in the platypus.
  • New Zealand Society for Veterinary and Comparative Pathology, IVABS, Massey University, New Zealand. 26-27th May 2001. Seminar by M. Alley and J. Connolly on “An Outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium DT160”.
  • Joint Conference of Wildlife Disease Association (Australasian Section) and Wildlife Society of the New Zealand Veterinary Association. Marine Biology Field Centre, Goat Island Marine Sanctuary, Leigh, New Zealand 3rd –10th December 2000. Seminar by M. Alley, J. Connolly, S. Fenwick, M. Leyland, M. Haycock, G. Mackereth, C. Nicol, C, Reed on “An Outbreak of Salmonellosis (S. Typhimurium DT160) in Sparrows in New Zealand”.
  • Wildlife Health in Conservation. July, 2000. Foundation for Continuing Education of the New Zealand Veterinary Association. Seminar by JH Connolly and GJ Dutton on “Zoonoses”
  • Oiled Wildlife Response Wash Course July, 2000. Massey University. Seminar by GJ Dutton and JH Connolly on “Oil Spill: The Iron Baron Experience”
  • Millenium for Microbiology. Joint Meeting of the ASM, NZMS and FAPMS. Cairns Convention Centre, Cairns, QLD, 8-13 July, 2000. Seminar by Stan Fenwick; Megan Leyland; Naomi Boxall; Sally Mannering; Joanne Connolly; Kylie Walker on “Pulsotyping: A Microbiological Tool For The Noughties” ASM: Australian Society for Micro, NZMS: NZ Soc for Micro and FAPMS: Federation of Asia Pacific Micro Societies.
  • Invited speaker presentation: “Emerging diseases of koalas and their medical management”. Post Graduate Foundation in Veterinary Science of the University of Sydney. Wildlife Refresher Course for Veterinarians. Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo. 13-17 September, 1999.
  • Invited speaker presentation: “Lymphoid neoplasia in the koala – correlation of immunophenotype with anatomic, morphologic and clinicopathologic findings”. Australian Veterinary Association Annual Conference. 17-22 May, 1998. Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour.

Professional Links

  • Professional Member of the Australian Society for Microbiology (MASM)
  • Member of the International Society for Human & Animal Mycology (ISHAM)
  • Registered with the Veterinary Practitioners Board of NSW
  • Member of the Centre for Veterinary Education (CVE)
  • Member of the Australian Society for Veterinary Pathology (ASVP)
  • Member of the Wildlife Disease Association (WDA parent body and Australasian Section)
  • Member of the Wildlife Health Australia (WHA)
  • Member of the Australian Mammal Society (AMS).
  • Associate Member of Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia (ZAA formerly ARAZPA)
  • Associate Member of Australasian Zoo Keepers Association (AZKA)
  • Steering Committee for Marrambidya Wetlands project, Wagga Wagga City Council (2010 – 2013).
  • Previous Member of the Sydney South Region National Parks & Wildlife Service Advisory Committee.
  • Life Member of the RSPCA (New South Wales and Tasmania)
  • Member of Murrumbidgee Landcare - Wagga Wagga Urban Landcare
  • Member of Murrumbidgee Field Naturalists - Wagga Wagga Branch

Community / Committee Positions

  • Member of Charles Sturt University School of Animal & Veterinary Science Executive Committee.
  • Member on the CSU Faculty of Science Board as a School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences (SAVS) nominee for the 2018-2019 term.
  • Bachelor of Veterinary Biology / Bachelor of Veterinary Science Joint Phase 1 Discipline Lead
  • Captive Vertebrate Management (CVM) Discipline Lead· CSU Emergency Warden. Building 294, Wagga Wagga Campus, since 2017.· CSU Displays at Henty Machinery Field Days 2019.
  • Member on the CSU Faculty of Sciences Faculty Board Participation in the HSC Biology Day at CSU in conjunction with the Eastern Riverina Teachers Association, 2018.
  • Steering Committee member for the Marrambidya (Narrung Street) Wetlands project for Wagga Wagga City Council (2010 – 2013).
  • “Tasmanian Platypus Alert: Are the platypuses in your area healthy?” pamphlet. A project sponsored by the Central North Field Naturalists Inc., Weegena, Tasmania in 2007.
  • Previous Member of the Sydney South Region National Parks & Wildlife Service Advisory Committee (2004-2005).

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