Wildlife and Livestock Disease

The group has an interest in analysing the epidemiology of livestock and wildlife disease with a particular focus on disease spread in heterogeneous systems. Our  main areas of interest are endemic and zoonotic disease. We focus on four main disease systems:

  •  Endemic disease in  broiler production, where we have research funding from BBSRC, Food Standards Agency and EU investigating the factors influencing colonisation and spread of Campylobacter in broiler flocks.
  •  The epidemiology of bovine TB in badgers and livestock. Here we are interested in investigating spread as well as methods for mitigating against the disease threat through management and use of vaccines
  •  The epidemiology of brood disease in honey-bees. We are interested in the spatial dynamics of disease and have had contracts from Defra to investigate American Foul Brood inJersey. We are also involved in BBSRC funded research on the endemic European Foul Brood modelling disease dynamics at the National scale.
  •  Poxvirus in squirrels. This virus is believed to be carried by grey squirrel and is considered to responsible for the decline in red squirrel in theUK, which are highly susceptible. We have developed modelling systems for predicting the spread and management of the disease through manipulation of habitat and population.  This research has been funded in various ways since 1996 from Forestry Commission

 

Current Projects

 

CamCon: Improved Campylobacter control

Biology and control of Campylobacter in the chicken supply chain

Production systems, bird welfare and endemic disease affect the susceptibility of chickens to Campylobacter

Development of accurate predictive models for the assessment of the survival of Campylobacter jejuni under food-relevant conditions 

Modelling systems for managing bee disease: the epidemiology of European foulbrood

 

Recent Projects

Spatial and temporal analysis of cattle herd breakdowns in the RBCT

Badger Vaccination Study

 

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