Bovine TB: Husbandry research
How does Defra decide on what research to fund?
Research is funded in order to provide evidence based policies for control of bovine TB. The Independent Scientific Group (ISG) on Cattle TB provides advice to the department on future research requirements. Other advice is sought from specialists within Defra, from other stakeholders and independent experts. The husbandry projects fall under a steering group where invited experts and members of the ISG give advice to Defra on the ongoing objectives of the work and help decide if a change of direction is needed.
Research projects
Observational studies from the Woodchester Park research station showed that Mycobacterium bovis farms are put under various forms of surveillance to identify potential badger-cattle interactions. The study then aims to look at various cattle husbandry measures to see if they may limit these interactions. This work is almost complete and the results of it are being used to identify farm husbandry manipulations which will be used in a new study to look at the cost effectiveness of certain husbandry manipulations. This study (SE3119) will identify suitable farms for the selected husbandry manipulations and determine whether their implementation has resulted in tangible benefits. This work will complete in 2009 and report in early 2010.
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Page last modified:
July 7, 2008