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Dr Damien Higgins

BVSc, M Vet Stud (Wild Animal Medicine & Husbandry), PhD
Senior Lecturer, Animal Health and Conservation Biology

B14 - Mcmaster Building
The University of Sydney

Telephone 61 2 9351 7130

Research interests

Wildlife Disease Ecology and Immunopathology

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Teaching and supervision

Undergraduate teaching: Wildlife Disease Wildlife and Evolutionary Genetics Introductory Veterinary Pathogenesis Postgraduate teaching: PhD and Research Masters

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Themes

Wildlife Health and Conservation

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Selected grants

2010

  • Prevalence and impact of hookworm infection on Australian sea lion populations; Gray R, Higgins D, Goldsworthy S, Canfield P; Australian Marine Mammal Centre/Australian Marine Mammal Centre Grants Scheme.

2009

  • Retroviral invasion of the koala genome: prevalence, transmission and role in immunosuppressive disease; Higgins D, Malloch J, Harris I; Australian Research Council (ARC)/Linkage Projects (LP).

2008

  • Investigation into the common diseases and nutritional requirements of the Owstons Civet (chrotogale owstoni); Higgins D, McClements R, Canfield P; Winifred Scott Foundation/Research Support.
  • The anatomy and stranding-associated changes of cetacean ears; Higgins D; The Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney/Postdoctoral fellow and new academic staff travel funds.
  • Developing a natural model for effects of land use and climate change on emergence of disease; Higgins D; University of Sydney/Bridging Support.

2007

  • Investigation into gastrointestinal absorption of xenobiotics by the koala; Krockenberger M, Hemsley S, Higgins D, Canfield P, Malik (Krochmalik) R, Govendir M; Hermon Slade Foundation/Research Grants.
  • Immunological effects of infection of koalas by the Koala Retrovirus (KoRV).; Higgins D; The Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney/Start-up Research Fund.

2006

  • Linking habitat fragmentation and disease: the major histocompatibility complex class II and its role in disease of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus); Higgins D, Belov K, Krockenberger M, Hemsley S; The Hermon Slade Foundation/HSF Research Grants.

2005

  • Prevention and treatment of chlamydiosis and cryptococcosis in koalas; Krockenberger M, Canfield P, Govendir M, Hemsley S, Malik (Krochmalik) R; Australian Research Council (ARC)/Linkage.
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Selected publications

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Book Chapters

  • Barnes, J., Higgins, D., Gray, R. (2008). Pinnipeds. In Larry Vogelnest, Rupert Woods (Eds.), Medicine of Australian Mammals, (pp. 541-590). Australia: CSIRO Publishing.

Journals

  • Griffith, J., Dhand, N., Krockenberger, M., Higgins, D. (2013). A retrospective Study of Admission Trends of Koalas to a rehabiliation Facility over 30 years. Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 49(1), 18-28.
  • Lau, Q., Jobbins, S., Belov, K., Higgins, D. (2013). Characterisation of four major histocompatibility complex class genes of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). Immunogenetics, 65, 37-46.
  • Black, L., McLachlan, A., Griffith, J., Higgins, D., Gillett, A., Krockenberger, M., Govendir, M. (2013). Pharmacokinetics of chloramphenicol following administration of intravenous and subcutaneous chlormphenicol sodium succinate, and subcutaneous chloramphenicol, to koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus). Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics.
  • Griffith, J., Higgins, D. (2012). Diagnosis, treatment and outcomes for koala chlamydiosis at a rehabilitation facility (1995-2005). Australian Veterinary Journal, 90(11), 457-463.
  • Jobbins, S., Sanderson, C., Griffith, J., Krockenberger, M., Belov, K., Higgins, D. (2012). Diversity of MHC class II DAB1 in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). Australian Journal of Zoology, 60(1), 1-9.
  • Lau, Q., Canfield, P., Higgins, D. (2012). Expression and in vitro upregulation of MHCII in koala lymphocytes. Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology, 147(1-2), 35-43.
  • Jaratlerdsiri, W., Isberg, S., Higgins, D., Gongora, J. (2012). MHC class 1 of saltwater crocidiles (Crocodylus porosus): polymorphism and balancing selection. Immunogenetics, 64, 825-838.
  • Luck, N., Thomas, K., Morin-Adeline, V., Barwick, S., Chong, A., Carpenter, E., Wan, L., Willet, C., Langford-Salisbury, S., Abdelsayd, M., Jaratlerdsiri, W., Isberg, S., Miles, L., Higgins, D., Lane, A., Gongora, J., et al (2012). Mitochondrial DNA analyses of the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) from the Northern territory of Australia. Australian Journal of Zoology, 60(2012), 18-25.
  • Govendir, M., Hanger, J., Loader, J., Kimble, B., Griffith, J., Black, L., Krockenberger, M., Higgins, D. (2012). Plasma concentrations of the Chloramphenicol after subcutaneous administration to koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) with chlamydiosis. Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 35(2), 147-154.
  • Higgins, D., Beninati, T., Meek, M., Irish, J., Griffith, J. (2012). Within - population diversity of koala Chlamydophila pecorum at ompA VD1-VD3 and the ORF663 hypothetical gene. Veterinary Microbiology, 156(3-4), 353-358.
  • Govendir, M., Hanger, J., Loader, J., Kimble, B., Griffith, J., Black, L., Krockenberger, M., Higgins, D. (2011). Plasma concentratrations of chloramphenicol after subcutaneous administration to koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) with chlamydiosis. Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 35, 147-154.
  • Griffith, J., Higgins, D., Li, K., Krockenberger, M., Govendir, M. (2010). Absorption of enrofloxacin and marbofloxacin after oral and subcutaneous administration in diseased koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus). Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 33(doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2885.2010.01169.x.), 595-604.
  • Higgins, D., Canfield, P. (2009). Histopathological examination of the Pancreas of the Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). Journal of Comparative Pathology, 140(4), 217-224.
  • Zhu, B., Hartigan, A., Reppas, G., Higgins, D., Canfield, P., Slapeta, J. (2009). Looks can deceive: Molecular identity of an intraerythrocytic apicomplexan parasite in Australian gliders. Veterinary Parasitology, 159(2), 105-111.
  • Higgins, D., Hemsley, S., Canfield, P. (2005). Association of uterine and salpingeal fibrosis with Chlamydial Hsp60 and Hsp 10 antigen specific antibodies in Chlamydia infected koalas. Clinical and Diagnostic Laboratory Immunology, 12(5), 632-639.
  • Higgins, D., Hemsley, S., Canfield, P. (2005). Immuno-histochemical demonstration of the role of Chlamydiaceae in renal, uterine and salingeal disease in koala & Chlamydiaceae in novel sites. Journal of Comparative Pathology, 133(2-3), 164-174.
  • Higgins, D., Hemsley, S., Canfield, P. (2004). Assessment Of Anti-Bovine IL4 And IFN Gamma Antibodies To Label IL4 And IFN Gamma In Lymphocytes Of The Koala And Brushtail Possum. Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology, 101(3-4), 153-160.
  • Higgins, D., Tobias, G., Stone, G. (2004). Excretion Profiles Of Some Reproductive Steroids In The Faeces Of Captive Female Short-Beaked Echidna (Tachyglossus Aculeatus) And Long-Beaked Echidna (Zaglossus Sp.). Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales, 125, 279-286.
  • Higgins, D. (2004). Ultrasonography Of The Reproductive Tract Of The Short-Beaked Echidna (Tachyglossus Aculeatus). Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales, 125, 277-278.
  • Tahmindjis, M., Higgins, D., Lynch, M., Barnes, J., Southwell, C. (2003). USE OF A PETHIDINE AND MIDAZOLAM COMBINATION FOR THE REVERSIBLE SEDATION OF CRABEATER SEALS (LOBODON CARCINOPHAGUS). Marine Mammal Science, 19(3), 581-589.
  • Higgins, D., Rogers, T., Irvine, A., Hall-Aspland, S. (2002). Use of Midazolam/Pethidine and Tiletamine/ Zolazepam combinations for the chemical restraint of Leopard seals (Hydrurga Leptonyx). Marine Mammal Science, 18(2), 483-499.

Conferences

  • Jaratlerdsiri, W., Isberg, S., Higgins, D., Melville, L., Gongora, J. (2012). MHC class 1 diversity in saltwater crocodiles and its association with lymphoid proliferation, vasculitis and encephalitis syndrome. 33rd Conference of the International Society for Animal Genetics, Brisbane: University of Queensland Press.
  • Jaratlerdsiri, W., Isberg, S., Higgins, D., Melville, D., Gongora, J. (2012). MHC class 1 diversity in saltwater crocodiles and its association with lymphoid proliferation, vasculitis and encephalitis syndrome. International Society of Animal Genetics, Australia: International Society for Animal Genetics.
  • Canfield, P., Krockenberger, M., Higgins, D. (2008). A Proposed Conceptual Framework For The Investigation Of Infectious Wildlife Disease. Wildlife Pathology Short Course 2008, Australia: Taronga Conservation Society.
  • Canfield, P., Higgins, D., Krockenberger, M. (2008). Diseases of Koalas. Wildlife Pathology Short Course 2008, Australia: Taronga Conservation Society.
  • Canfield, P., Krockenberger, M., Higgins, D. (2008). Koalas. Wildlife Pathology Short Course 2008, Australia: Taronga Conservation Society.
  • Jobbins, S., Sanderson, C., Higgins, D., Krockenberger, M., Belov, K. (2007). An investigation of MHC diversity in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus). Genetics Society of AustralAsia 54th Annual Conference, Sydney: Genetics Society of AustralAsia, Inc.
  • Hemsley, S., Krockenberger, M., Belov, K., Canfield, P., Carter, D., Govendir, M., Griffith, J., Higgins, D., Jobbins, S., Malik (Krochmalik), R., Saul, N., et al (2006). Update on Koala Research at the University of Sydney. Wildlife Disease Association (Australasian Section) Annual Meeting 2008, Australia: Wildlife Disease Association (Australasian Section).
  • Higgins, D., Hemsley, S., Canfield, P. (2004). Chlamydial disease of koalas: new information on pathogenesis and host-response. 2006 Australian Society for Veterinary Pathology Annual Conference.
  • Higgins, D., Hemsley, S., Canfield, P. (2003). Detection of Interferon gamma in marsupials: A tool for disease susceptibility investigations?. 3rd International Wildlife Management Congress incorporating the 16th Australasian Wildlife Management Society Conference, Christchurch, N.Z.
  • Higgins, D., Hemsley, S., Canfield, P. (2003). Host-response of koalas to chlamydial infection: detection of interferon gamma and chlamydial hsp60- and hsp10-specific IgG in koalas. AVA Annual Conference: 2003 Conference of the Australian Association of Veterinary Conservation Biologists, QLD, Australia: School of Animal Studies, University of Queensland.
  • Higgins, D., Rogers, T., Irvine, A., Hall-Aspland, S. (2001). Use of midazolam/ pethidine and tiletamine/ zolazepam combinations for the chemical restraint of leopard seals (Hydrurga leptonyx). Annual Conference AAVCB (Australian Association of Veterinary Conservation Biologists ), Cairns.

Report

  • Higgins, D., Noad, M. (2005). Standardized protocols for the collection of biological samples from stranded cetaceans.

2013

  • Griffith, J., Dhand, N., Krockenberger, M., Higgins, D. (2013). A retrospective Study of Admission Trends of Koalas to a rehabiliation Facility over 30 years. Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 49(1), 18-28.
  • Lau, Q., Jobbins, S., Belov, K., Higgins, D. (2013). Characterisation of four major histocompatibility complex class genes of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). Immunogenetics, 65, 37-46.
  • Black, L., McLachlan, A., Griffith, J., Higgins, D., Gillett, A., Krockenberger, M., Govendir, M. (2013). Pharmacokinetics of chloramphenicol following administration of intravenous and subcutaneous chlormphenicol sodium succinate, and subcutaneous chloramphenicol, to koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus). Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics.

2012

  • Griffith, J., Higgins, D. (2012). Diagnosis, treatment and outcomes for koala chlamydiosis at a rehabilitation facility (1995-2005). Australian Veterinary Journal, 90(11), 457-463.
  • Jobbins, S., Sanderson, C., Griffith, J., Krockenberger, M., Belov, K., Higgins, D. (2012). Diversity of MHC class II DAB1 in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). Australian Journal of Zoology, 60(1), 1-9.
  • Lau, Q., Canfield, P., Higgins, D. (2012). Expression and in vitro upregulation of MHCII in koala lymphocytes. Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology, 147(1-2), 35-43.
  • Jaratlerdsiri, W., Isberg, S., Higgins, D., Melville, L., Gongora, J. (2012). MHC class 1 diversity in saltwater crocodiles and its association with lymphoid proliferation, vasculitis and encephalitis syndrome. 33rd Conference of the International Society for Animal Genetics, Brisbane: University of Queensland Press.
  • Jaratlerdsiri, W., Isberg, S., Higgins, D., Melville, D., Gongora, J. (2012). MHC class 1 diversity in saltwater crocodiles and its association with lymphoid proliferation, vasculitis and encephalitis syndrome. International Society of Animal Genetics, Australia: International Society for Animal Genetics.
  • Jaratlerdsiri, W., Isberg, S., Higgins, D., Gongora, J. (2012). MHC class 1 of saltwater crocidiles (Crocodylus porosus): polymorphism and balancing selection. Immunogenetics, 64, 825-838.
  • Luck, N., Thomas, K., Morin-Adeline, V., Barwick, S., Chong, A., Carpenter, E., Wan, L., Willet, C., Langford-Salisbury, S., Abdelsayd, M., Jaratlerdsiri, W., Isberg, S., Miles, L., Higgins, D., Lane, A., Gongora, J., et al (2012). Mitochondrial DNA analyses of the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) from the Northern territory of Australia. Australian Journal of Zoology, 60(2012), 18-25.
  • Govendir, M., Hanger, J., Loader, J., Kimble, B., Griffith, J., Black, L., Krockenberger, M., Higgins, D. (2012). Plasma concentrations of the Chloramphenicol after subcutaneous administration to koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) with chlamydiosis. Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 35(2), 147-154.
  • Higgins, D., Beninati, T., Meek, M., Irish, J., Griffith, J. (2012). Within - population diversity of koala Chlamydophila pecorum at ompA VD1-VD3 and the ORF663 hypothetical gene. Veterinary Microbiology, 156(3-4), 353-358.

2011

  • Govendir, M., Hanger, J., Loader, J., Kimble, B., Griffith, J., Black, L., Krockenberger, M., Higgins, D. (2011). Plasma concentratrations of chloramphenicol after subcutaneous administration to koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) with chlamydiosis. Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 35, 147-154.

2010

  • Griffith, J., Higgins, D., Li, K., Krockenberger, M., Govendir, M. (2010). Absorption of enrofloxacin and marbofloxacin after oral and subcutaneous administration in diseased koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus). Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 33(doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2885.2010.01169.x.), 595-604.

2009

  • Higgins, D., Canfield, P. (2009). Histopathological examination of the Pancreas of the Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). Journal of Comparative Pathology, 140(4), 217-224.
  • Zhu, B., Hartigan, A., Reppas, G., Higgins, D., Canfield, P., Slapeta, J. (2009). Looks can deceive: Molecular identity of an intraerythrocytic apicomplexan parasite in Australian gliders. Veterinary Parasitology, 159(2), 105-111.

2008

  • Canfield, P., Krockenberger, M., Higgins, D. (2008). A Proposed Conceptual Framework For The Investigation Of Infectious Wildlife Disease. Wildlife Pathology Short Course 2008, Australia: Taronga Conservation Society.
  • Canfield, P., Higgins, D., Krockenberger, M. (2008). Diseases of Koalas. Wildlife Pathology Short Course 2008, Australia: Taronga Conservation Society.
  • Canfield, P., Krockenberger, M., Higgins, D. (2008). Koalas. Wildlife Pathology Short Course 2008, Australia: Taronga Conservation Society.
  • Barnes, J., Higgins, D., Gray, R. (2008). Pinnipeds. In Larry Vogelnest, Rupert Woods (Eds.), Medicine of Australian Mammals, (pp. 541-590). Australia: CSIRO Publishing.

2007

  • Jobbins, S., Sanderson, C., Higgins, D., Krockenberger, M., Belov, K. (2007). An investigation of MHC diversity in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus). Genetics Society of AustralAsia 54th Annual Conference, Sydney: Genetics Society of AustralAsia, Inc.

2006

  • Hemsley, S., Krockenberger, M., Belov, K., Canfield, P., Carter, D., Govendir, M., Griffith, J., Higgins, D., Jobbins, S., Malik (Krochmalik), R., Saul, N., et al (2006). Update on Koala Research at the University of Sydney. Wildlife Disease Association (Australasian Section) Annual Meeting 2008, Australia: Wildlife Disease Association (Australasian Section).

2005

  • Higgins, D., Hemsley, S., Canfield, P. (2005). Association of uterine and salpingeal fibrosis with Chlamydial Hsp60 and Hsp 10 antigen specific antibodies in Chlamydia infected koalas. Clinical and Diagnostic Laboratory Immunology, 12(5), 632-639.
  • Higgins, D., Hemsley, S., Canfield, P. (2005). Immuno-histochemical demonstration of the role of Chlamydiaceae in renal, uterine and salingeal disease in koala & Chlamydiaceae in novel sites. Journal of Comparative Pathology, 133(2-3), 164-174.
  • Higgins, D., Noad, M. (2005). Standardized protocols for the collection of biological samples from stranded cetaceans.

2004

  • Higgins, D., Hemsley, S., Canfield, P. (2004). Assessment Of Anti-Bovine IL4 And IFN Gamma Antibodies To Label IL4 And IFN Gamma In Lymphocytes Of The Koala And Brushtail Possum. Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology, 101(3-4), 153-160.
  • Higgins, D., Hemsley, S., Canfield, P. (2004). Chlamydial disease of koalas: new information on pathogenesis and host-response. 2006 Australian Society for Veterinary Pathology Annual Conference.
  • Higgins, D., Tobias, G., Stone, G. (2004). Excretion Profiles Of Some Reproductive Steroids In The Faeces Of Captive Female Short-Beaked Echidna (Tachyglossus Aculeatus) And Long-Beaked Echidna (Zaglossus Sp.). Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales, 125, 279-286.
  • Higgins, D. (2004). Ultrasonography Of The Reproductive Tract Of The Short-Beaked Echidna (Tachyglossus Aculeatus). Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales, 125, 277-278.

2003

  • Higgins, D., Hemsley, S., Canfield, P. (2003). Detection of Interferon gamma in marsupials: A tool for disease susceptibility investigations?. 3rd International Wildlife Management Congress incorporating the 16th Australasian Wildlife Management Society Conference, Christchurch, N.Z.
  • Higgins, D., Hemsley, S., Canfield, P. (2003). Host-response of koalas to chlamydial infection: detection of interferon gamma and chlamydial hsp60- and hsp10-specific IgG in koalas. AVA Annual Conference: 2003 Conference of the Australian Association of Veterinary Conservation Biologists, QLD, Australia: School of Animal Studies, University of Queensland.
  • Tahmindjis, M., Higgins, D., Lynch, M., Barnes, J., Southwell, C. (2003). USE OF A PETHIDINE AND MIDAZOLAM COMBINATION FOR THE REVERSIBLE SEDATION OF CRABEATER SEALS (LOBODON CARCINOPHAGUS). Marine Mammal Science, 19(3), 581-589.

2002

  • Higgins, D., Rogers, T., Irvine, A., Hall-Aspland, S. (2002). Use of Midazolam/Pethidine and Tiletamine/ Zolazepam combinations for the chemical restraint of Leopard seals (Hydrurga Leptonyx). Marine Mammal Science, 18(2), 483-499.

2001

  • Higgins, D., Rogers, T., Irvine, A., Hall-Aspland, S. (2001). Use of midazolam/ pethidine and tiletamine/ zolazepam combinations for the chemical restraint of leopard seals (Hydrurga leptonyx). Annual Conference AAVCB (Australian Association of Veterinary Conservation Biologists ), Cairns.
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