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Dr Kim Stevens

PhD MScAgric BScAgric PGCAP FRSS FHEA
Associate Professor in Spatial Epidemiology

Department: Pathobiology & Population Sciences

Campus: Hawkshead

Research Centres: Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health

Associate Professor of Spatial Epidemiology and Applied Statistics in the Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health (VEEPH) group.

Dr Kim Stevens is an Associate Professor of Spatial Epidemiology and Applied Statistics in the Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health (VEEPH) group. She holds a PhD from the University of London, specializing in Bayesian statistics and machine learning with applications in spatial epidemiology. She is co-author of the textbook Spatial Analysis in Epidemiology and and has authored two book chapters on spatial epidemiology in the CRC Handbook of Spatial Epidemiology and the Routledge Handbook of Biosecurity and Invasive Species. Additionally, Kim has co-authored over 70 peer-reviewed papers, primarily focusing on spatial epidemiology, statistics, and machine learning. Her expertise, however, extends beyond these areas, encompassing a comprehensive range of analytical methods including spatial analysis, spatial modelling, ecological niche modeling, applied statistics, social network analysis, epidemiology, data management, and data presentation.

Her analytical interests and proficiency extend well beyond academia as she particularly enjoys using applying her analytical and problem-solving skills to real-world challenges, and influencing policies and practices in veterinary and public health. She regularly consults for international organisiations such as the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO), International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), with a focus on spatial epidemiology, applied statistics, data managementa and data presentation. She is an elected member of the Expert Group for the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)’s Observatory, where she reviews and advises on the data collection, analytical and visualization methodologies used by the Observatory, providing expert insights in data analysis and visualization. This role requires not only technical expertise but also the ability to translate complex statistical concepts into actionable insights that can be understood and utilized by policymakers and other stakeholders, and places her at the forefront of international efforts to enhance the quality and reliability of data used in animal health and welfare policies.

Her dedication to knowledge dissemination is evident in her development and delivery of numerous iternational workshops on on a range of analaytical techniques including spatial analysis and modelling, and data management (relational database design). These workshops require the ability to break down complex concepts and teach them effectively, ensuring that participants can grasp and apply the material. Through these efforts, she has empowered numerous professionals with the skills needed to apply advanced analytical techniques to a wide array of challenges. Her workshops have also significantly enhanced their overall understanding and application of sophisticated analytical methods in their respective fields.

Kim is Associate Editor for the international journals Spatial and Spatio-temporal Epidemiology and Frontiers in Veterinary Science, and has twice served on the Equine Veterinary Journal’s Study Design and Data Analysis Editorial Board. She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and of the Royal Statistical Society (RSS). As part of the latter she is actively engaged with the RSS initiative '', a pro bono scheme connecting professional statisticians and charitable organisations, allowing these organisations to receive support from statistical experts at no cost. Through this involvement she has worked with several charitable organisaitions analysing data, designing surveys and developing data management systems. 

Kim is Course Director of the RVC's MSc Veterinary Epidemiology (2018-present).

 

 

For the past six years Kim has worked primarily as in independent researcher while completing a part-time PhD (Risk-based Decision-making Tools for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus H5N1: A Comparison of Spatial Modelling Methods), the results of which have placed her as a leading figure in the rapidly evolving field of spatial and ecological niche modelling of disease. Not surprisingly, Kim’s research interests focus on the predictive mapping of disease, specifically vector-borne diseases, and the effect of anthropogenic influences such as climate change, on the changing spatio-temporal distribution of disease.

In addition to the publication of 70+ peer-reviewed journal articles, Kim has co-authored a book () and two book chapters on spatial epidemiology (CRC Handbook of Spatial Epidemiology; Routledge Handbook of Biosecurity and Invasive Species). Her combined skillsets of machine learning, statistics, network analysis, spatial analysis, and spatial and ecological niche modelling are unique within the VEEPH group and allow her to participate in a range of VEEPH and College-based research projects.

Previous research projects include:

  • Spatio-temporal analysis of the European surveillance avian influenza data (for the European Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza Project; APHA)
  • Spatio-temporal patterns of avian influneza H5N1 and H5N6 contamination in Vietnamese live bird markets
  • Supervision of an MRes project () – Predictive mapping of the cutaneous leishmaniasis vector (Phlebotomus papatasi) in Jordan using a multi-criteria decision analysis approach- as part of the
  • Development of cross border HPAI risk management strategies in SE Asia
  • Flurisk: Development of a risk assessment methodological framework for potentially pandemic influenza strains
  • Spatial analysis of scrapie in Great Britain
  • Infectious diseases preparedness analysis and resources mapping across human and animal health sectors in Southern Africa

 

 

 

 

Books

Pfeiffer, D.U., Robinson, T.P., Stevenson, M., Stevens, K.B., Rogers, D.J., Clements, A.C.A (2008). Spatial Analysis in Epidemiology. Oxford University Press, Oxford 

 

Book chapters

Stevens, KB (2021). Novel scientific approaches to understanding emerging infectious disease. In: The Routledge Handbook of Biosecurity and Invasive Species. Edited By K Barker, RA Francis, Routledge, pp 90-101.

Stevens, KB & Pfeiffer, DU (2016). The role of spatial analysis in risk-based animal disease management. In: Handbook of Spatial Epidemiology, 1st ed. CRC Press/Taylor and Francis

 

Peer-reviewed papers

2022

Brand, CL, O’Neill, DG, Belshaw, Z, Pegram, CL, Stevens, KB, Packer, RMA (2022). Pandemic puppies: Demographic characteristics, health and early life experiences of puppies acquired during the 2020 phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. Animals,

2021

Galipó, E, Dixon, MA, Fronterrè, C, Cucunubá, ZM, Basáñez, MG, Stevens, K, Flórez Sánchez, AC & Walker, M. Spatial distribution and risk factors for human cysticercosis in Colombia. Parasites & Vectors, 14: 10.1186/s13071-021-05092-8

Adedeji, AJ, Ijoma, SI, Atai, RB, Dogonyaro, BB, Adole, JA, Nanven, MA, Osemeke, OH, Waziri, IA, Atuman, YJ, Lyons, NA, Stevens, KB, Beard, PM, Limon-Vega, G. (2021) Household and animal factors associated with sheeppox and goatpox sero-prevalence and identification of high-risk areas in selected States of northern Nigeria. Prev. Vet. Med., 196, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2021.105473

Packer, RMA, Brand, CL, Belshaw, Z, Pegram, CL, Stevens, KB, O'Neill, DG (2021). Pandemic puppies: Characterising motivations and behaviours of UK owners who purchased puppies during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. Animals, 11, 2500. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11092500

Taylor, C, Brodbelt, DC, Dobson, B, Catchpole, B, O’Neill, DG, Stevens, KB (2021) Spatio-temporal distribution and agroecological factors associated with canine leptospirosis in Great Britain. Prev. Vet. Med. 193:

Romero, MP, Chang, YM, Brunton, LA, Prosser, A, Upton, P, Rees, E, Tearne, O, Arnold, M, Stevens, K, Drewe. JA (2021). A comparison of the value of two machine learning predictive models to support bovine tuberculosis disease control in England. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 188:

Economu, L, Stell, A, O'Neill, DG, Schofield, I, Stevens, K, Brodbelt, D (2020) Incidence and risk factors for feline lymphoma in UK primary-care practice. Journal of Small Animal Practice. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13266

2020

Takahashi, E A; Masoud, L; Mukbel, R; Guitian, J; Stevens, K B

PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases.  2020

Holm LP, Stevens KB, Walker DJ.

J Comp Pathol. 2020 Apr;176:156-161. doi: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2020.03.003.

Schofield I, Stevens KB, Pittaway C, O'Neill DG, Fecht D, Dobson JM, Brodbelt DC.

J Small Anim Pract. 2019 Dec;60(12):746-754. doi: 10.1111/jsap.13075.

2019

Jepson, R E; Cardwell, J M; Cortellini, S; Holm, L; Stevens, K B; Walker, D J.

VETERINARY CLINICS OF NORTH AMERICA-SMALL ANIMAL PRACTICE, 2019

Potter, K; Stevens, K B; Menzies-Gow, N J.

VETERINARY RECORD, 2019

La Sala, L F; Burgos, J M; Blanco, D E; Stevens, K B; Fernández, A R; Capobianco, G; Tohme, F; Pérez, A M.
.Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, 2019

2018

Alarcon P, Marco-Jimenez F, Arnold M, Wolf A, Rajanayagam B, Stevens KB, Adkin A. Spatio-temporal and risk factor analysis of alleles related to Scrapie resistance in sheep in Great Britain before, during and after a national breeding program. Prev Vet Med 159:12-21. doi: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2018.08.008

Stevens, KB, Jepson, R, Holm, L, Walker, D, Cardwell, JM (2018). Spatio-temporal patterns and agro-ecological risk factors for cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (Alabama Rot) in dogs in the UK. Vet Rec pii: vetrec-2018-104892. doi: 10.1136/vr.104892

Stevens, KB, O’Neill, D, Jepson, R, Holm, L, Walker, D, Cardwell, JM (2018). Signalment risk factors for cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (Alabama Rot) in dogs in the UK. Vet Rec 183(14):448. doi: 10.1136/vr.104891

Mellor, KC, Meyer, A, Elkholly, DA, Fournié, G, Long, PT, Inui, K, Padungtod, P, Gilbert, M, Newman, SH, Vergne, T, Pfeiffer, DU, Stevens, KB (2018) Comparative epidemiology of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 and H5N6 in Vietnamese live bird markets: spatio-temporal patterns of distribution and risk factors. Frontiers in Veterinary Science,

2017

Fountain, KI, Stevens, KB, Lloyd, DH and Loeffler, A. (2017) Skin lesions in captive bats: an online survey of zoos and rehabilitators in Europe, North America and Australia. Veterinary Dermatology, doi: 10.1111/vde.12410

2016

Sindato, C, Stevens, KB, Karimuribo, ED, Mboera, LEG, Paweska, JT, Dautu, G, Pfeiffer, DU (2016) Spatial heterogeneity of habitat suitability for Rift Valley fever occurrence in Tanzania: an ecological niche modelling approach. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases. DOI:10.1371/journal.pntd.0005002.

Sangwan, A., Jackson, B., De Glanville, W., Pfeiffer, D., Stevens, K. (2016) Spatial analysis and identification of environmental risk factors affecting the distribution of Indoplanorbis and Lymnaea species in semi-arid and irrigated areas of Haryana, India. Parasite Epidemiology and Control, 1(3): 252–262

2015

Stevens, KB, Pfeiffer, DU. (2015) Sources of spatial animal and human health data: casting the net wide to deal more effectively with increasingly complex disease problems. Spatial and Spatio-temporal Epidemiology, 13: 15-29

Pfeiffer, DU, Stevens, KB. (2015) Spatial and temporal data analysis in support of decision making for complex animal health problems in the Big Data era. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2015.05.012

A. A. Hill, T. Dewé, R. Kosmider, S. Von Dobschuetz, O. Munoz, A. Hanna, A. Fusaro, M. De Nardi, W. Howard, K. Stevens, L. Kelly, A. Havelaar, K. Stärk. (2015) Modelling the species jump: towards assessing the risk of human infection from novel avian influenzas. Royal Society Open Science 2: 150173. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsos.150173.

Munoz, O., De Nardi, M., van der Meulen, K., van Reeth, K. Koopmans, M., Harris, K., von Dobschuetz, S., Freidl, G., Meijer, A., Breed, A., Hill, A., Kosmider, R., Banks, J., Stärk, K.D.C., Wieland, B., Stevens, K., van der Werf, S., Enouf, V., Dauphin, G., Dundon, W., Cattoli, G., Capua, I., The FLURISK Consortium. (2015) Genetic adaptation of influenza A viruses in domestic animals and their potential role in interspecies transmission: a literature review. EcoHealth, DOI 10.1007/s10393-014-1004-1

2014

Doyle, L. P., Gordon, A. W., Abernethy, D. A. & Stevens, K. (2014) Bovine tuberculosis in Northern Ireland: Risk factors associated with time from post-outbreak test to subsequent herd breakdown. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2014.06.010.

Von Dobschuetz, S. et al. (2014) Influenza surveillance in animals: what is our capacity to detect emerging influenza viruses with zoonotic potential? Epidemiology & Infection FirstView, 1-18, doi:doi:10.1017/S0950268814002106

Freidl GS, Meijer A, de Bruin E, de Nardi M, Munoz O, Capua I, Breed AC, Harris K, Hill A, Kosmider R, Banks J, von Dobschuetz S, Stark K, Wieland B, Stevens K, van der Werf S, Enouf V, van der Meulen K, Van Reeth K, Dauphin G, Koopmans M, FLURISK Consortium. (2014) Influenza at the animal–human interface: a review of the literature for virological evidence of human infection with swine or avian influenza viruses other than A(H5N1). European Surveillance. 19(18):pii=20793. Available online:

P. Mantis, D, Tontis, D. Church, D. Lloyd, K. Stevens, D. Balomenos, P. Gouletsou, G. Gianoulopoulos, D. Doukas, A. Galatos, M. Saridomichelakis (2014) High-frequency ultrasound biomicroscopy of the normal canine skin. Veterinary Dermatology. DOI: 10.1111/vde.12120

2013

Walker, D., Knuchel-Takano, A, McCutchan, A, Chang, Y-M, Downes, C, White, C, Williams, K, Miller, S, Stevens, K, Verheyen, K, Phillips, AD, Miah, S, Turmaine, M, Hibbert, A, Steiner, J, Suchodolski, J, Mohan, K, Eastwood, J, Allenspach, K, Smith, K, Garden, OA. (2013) A comprehensive pathological survey of duodenal biopsies from dogs with diet-responsive chronic enteropathy. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 27, 862-874, doi:10.1111/jvim.12093

Stevens, K.B. Gilbert, M. Pfeiffer, D.U. (2013) Spatial suitability modelling of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 occurrence in domestic poultry in Asia using multicriteria decision analysis. Spatial and Spatio-Temporal Epidemiology 4:1-14

2012

Metras, R., Stevens, K.B., Abdu, P., Okike, I., Randolph, T., Grace, D., Pfeiffer, D.U., Costard, S. (2012) Identification of potential risk factors associated with highly pathogenic avian influenza virus subtype H5N1 outbreak occurrence in Lagos and Kano States, Nigeria, during the 2006-2007 epidemics. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, DOI: 10.1111/j.1865-1682.2012.01322.x

2011

Stevens, K.B., Pfeiffer, D.U. (2011) Spatial modelling of disease using data- and knowledge-driven approaches. Spatial and Spatio-temporal Epidemiology, 2(3): 125-133.

Stevens, K.B. (2011) Past students’ perceptions of the effectiveness of a one-year Master’s degree in veterinary epidemiology. Higher Education Research Network Journal, 3: 79-90.

Klinglmair K., Stevens KB, Gregory, N. (2011) Luminance and glare in indoor cattle-handling facilities. Animal Welfare, 20: 263-269

Mastin, A., Brouwer, A., Fox, M., Craig. P., Guitián, J., Li, W., Stevens, K. (2011) Spatial and temporal investigation of Echinococcus granulosus coproantigen prevalence in farm dogs in South Powys, Wales. Veterinary Parasitology, 178: 100-107

2010

Volk, A., Belyavin, C. Varjonen, E. K., Cadiergues, M.C., Stevens, K., Bond, R. (2010) Malassezia pachydermatis and M. nana predominate amongst the cutaneous mycobiota of Sphynx cats. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 12:917-922

Menzies-Gow, N. J., Stevens, K., Barr, A., Camm, I., Pfeiffer, D., and Marr, C. M. (2010) Severity and outcome of equine pasture-associated laminitis managed in first opinion practice in the UK. The Veterinary Record, 167, 364-9.

Menzies-Gow, N.J., Stevens, K.B., Sepulveda, F.M., Jarvis, N., Marr, C.M. (2010) Repeatability and reproducibility of the Obel Grading System for equine laminitis. The Veterinary Record, 167: 52-55.

2009

Stevens K.B., Del Rio Vilas V., Guitian J. (2009) Classical sheep scrapie in Great Britain: spatial analysis and identification of environmental and farm-related risk factors. BMC Veterinary Research, 5: 33

Jones, I.D., Case, A.M., Stevens, K.B., Boag, A., Rycroft, A. (2009) Factors contributing to the contamination of peripheral intravenous catheters in dogs and cats. Veterinary Record 164: 616-618

Jones, I.D., Case, A.M., Stevens, K.B., Boag, A., Rycroft, A.N. (2009) In vitro comparison of bacterial contamination of peripheral intravenous catheter connectors. Veterinary Record 164: 557-557

Theodoropoulos, G., Stevens, K.B, Hartsa, A., Theodoropoulou, H. and Pfeiffer, D.U. (2009) farm-level factors associated with above-average production on pig farms in Evia, Greece. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 89: 163-166

Stevens, K.B., Marr, C.M., Horn, J.N.R., Pfeiffer, D.U., Perkins, J.D., Bowen, I.M., Allen, E.J., Campbell, J. and Elliott, J. (2009) Effect of left-sided valvular regurgitation on mortality and causes of death among a population of middle-aged and older horses. Veterinary Record 164: 6-10

2008

Bond, R., Stevens, K., Perrins, N., Åhman, S. (2008) Carriage of Malassezia spp. yeasts in Cornish Rex, Devon Rex and Domestic short-haired cats: a cross-sectional survey. Veterinary Dermatology 19: 299-304

2007

Boag, A.K., Neiger, R., Slater, L., Stevens, K.B., Haller, M., Church, D.B. 2007. Changes in the glomerular filtration rate of 27 cats with hyperthyroidism after treatment with radioactive iodine. Veterinary Record 161: 711-715

Stevens, K.B., Pfeiffer, D.U., Spickett, A.M., du Plessis, B., Dyasen, E., Vosloo, W. (2007) Influence of dipping practices on the seroprevalence of babesiosis and anaplasmosis in the foot and mouth disease buffer zone adjoining the Kruger National Park in South Africa. Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research. 74: 87-95

Stevens, K.B., Pfeiffer, D.U., Gilbert, J., Strachan, D., Robertson, J., Johnston, A.M. (2007) Antimicrobial drug usage on British commercial pig farms. Veterinary Record. 161: 45 – 52

Mantis, P., Lloyd, D.H., Pfeiffer, D., Stevens, K., Auxilia, S., Noli, C., Abramo, F., Miolo, A. (2007) Assessment of the effect of an aliamide-containing topical gel by evaluation of the reduction of wound volume measured by high resolution ultrasound biomicroscopy. Wounds: A Compendium of Clinical Research and Practice. 19: 113-119

2005

Loeffler, A., Boag, A.K., Sung, J., Lindsay, J.A., Guardabassi, L., Dalsgaard, A., Smith, H., Stevens, K.B., Lloyd, D.H. (2005). Prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus among staff and pets in a small animal referral hospital in the UK. J. Antimicrob. Chemother. 56: 692-697

O’Brien, E., Stevens, K.B., Pfeiffer, D.U., Hall, J., Marr, C.M. (2005) Factors associated with the wastage and achievements in competition of event horses registered in the United Kingdom. Veterinary Record. 157: 9-13

Meyer, C., Guthrie, A.J., Stevens, K.B. (2005). Clinical and clinicopathological changes in 6 healthy ponies following intramuscular administration of multiple doses of imidocarb dipropionate. Journal of the South African Veterinary Association 76: 26-32

Menzies-Gow, N.J., Bailey, S.R., Stevens, K., Katz, I., Elliott, J., Marr, C.M. (2005). Digital blood flow and plasma endothelin concentration in clinically endotoxemic horses. American Journal of Veterinary Research. 66: 630-636

Mantis, P., Lloyd, D.H., Pfeiffer, D., Stevens, K., Auxilia, S., Noli, F., Abramo, F. (2005). High resolution ultrasonography of experimentally induced full-thickness canine skin wounds. Wounds: A Compendium of Clinical Research and Practice 17: 107-113

Van Winden, S., Stevens, K., Guitian, J., McGowan, M. (2005). Preliminary findings of a systematic review and expert opinion workshop on biosecurity on cattle farms in the UK. Cattle Practice 13: 135-140

2003

Smith MR, Stevens KB, Durham AE, Marr CM. (2003) Equine hepatic disease: the effect of patient- and case-specific variables on risk and prognosis. Equine Veterinary Journal  35(6): 549-52

1999

Guthrie, A.J., Stevens, K.B., Bosman, P.P. (1999) The circumstances surrounding the outbreak and spread of equine influenza in South Africa. Rev. Sci. Tech. 18: 179-185.

Kim has extensive experience (~20 years) of teaching at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, is Course Director for the MSc in Veterinary Epidemiology and module leader of four modules: Spatial Analysis in Epidemiology, Applied Veterinary Epidemiology module of the , the Research Methods module of the BSc Veterinary Nursing, and the Data Processing, Analysis and Presentation and the Study Design modules of the . 

She develops and delivers didactic and rotational teaching for the RVC's BVetMed, BioVetSci, BVN and MVetMed courses, as well as the taught MSc degrees in , , and  / , and the distance learning . Undergraduate teaching focuses specifically on basic data management, simple statistics, together with research skills such as scientific report writing and study design. Postgraduate teaching focuses on advanced data management (relational databases), advanced statistical techniques and spatial analysis. Kim has twice been awarded the RVC Memorandum for Teaching Excellence (2012 and 2017).

As part of her personal development in higher eduaction teaching and learning Kim completed the Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PGCAP) from King’s College London (2010-2011) and was awarded the King’s College London Higher Education Research Network Prize for the research project she undertook during that time. 

 

 

Kim is a Fellow of the Royal Statistical Society (RSS) and as part of the latter, she is actively engaged with the RSS initiative '', a pro bono scheme connecting professional statisticians and charitable organisations, allowing these organisations to receive support from statistical experts at no cost. Through this involvement she has worked with several charitable organisaitions analysing data, designing surveys and developing data management systems. 

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