Research
My principle area of research has been the recently emerged cause of infectious lameness in sheep, contagious ovine digital dermatitis (CODD) https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/infection-veterinary-and-ecological-sciences/research/groups/codd/. My group’s research on CODD includes epidemiologic studies describing the prevalence and risk factors; descriptions of clinical and pathological findings (gross and histological); field studies on the welfare impact and control of CODD, including randomised controlled vaccine efficacy studies. Recent studies have employed an experimental induction model of CODD with molecular and -omic methodologies to elucidate the microbial aetiology, essential for future vaccine development. I work with farmers and industry bodies, such as AHDB, HCC, National Sheep Association, MSD & Sheep Veterinary Society to provide practical solutions for CODD which has resulted in demonstrable improvements in responsible antibiotic use, biosecurity, and hygiene practices on farms. My group has developed practical on farm sheep welfare assessment tools for DEFRA . I am also active in research in neonatal lamb infectious diseases . I have over 60 peer reviewed publications and have co-authored national industry guidelines on antibiotic stewardship, sheep lameness, mastitis, abortion, and neonatal lamb disease control.
Contagious ovine digital dermatitis
Neonatal Infectious Arthritis of Lambs ("Joint Ill")
Sheep Welfare Assessment
Research grants
ICASE top up
MENTER A BUSNES (UK)
October 2022 - September 2026
A Survey of Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles of Escherichia coli Bacteria Associated With Watery Mouth Disease in Lambs
MSD ANIMAL HEALTH (UK)
February 2018 - January 2020
The Neonatal Mortality and Antibiotic Control Plan
AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURE DEVELOPMENT BOARD (UK)
September 2018 - December 2021
Unravelling the aetiology of contagious ovine digital dermatitis.
BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE RESEARCH COUNCIL, EBLEX (UK), HYBU CIG CYMRU MEAT PROMOTION WALES (UK)
January 2016 - January 2020
BBSRC Research experience placement
BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE RESEARCH COUNCIL
July 2012 - September 2012
Towards a greater understanding of contagious ovine digital dermatitis - an epidemiological approach
BRITISH VETERINARY ASSOCIATION ANIMAL WELFARE FOUNDATION (UK)
January 2012 - September 2016
An investigation into contagious ovine digital dermatitis lesion treponeme bacteria and their antibiotic susceptibilities
HYBU CIG CYMRU MEAT PROMOTION WALES (UK)
October 2013 - September 2014
The Development of Indicators of Sheep Welfare for on Farm Assessment
DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS (UK)
October 2007 - November 2011