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Research

My research interests include a wide range production limiting diseases of farmed ruminants. Foremost among these are the 'Iceberg' diseases and specifically paratuberculosis (Johne's Disease) in commercial sheep farming systems funded by AHDB, HCC and Virbac Animal Health. My interest is primarily in the sub-clinical production losses associated with presence of the infectious agent in populations. The term 'iceberg' diseases refers to these subtle, sub-clinical reductions in animal performance and productivity are not immediately apparent, 'beneath the surface of the flock', and yet effect the majority of the infected animals and a disproportionately large part of the total economic impact of the disease in comparison to the small proportion of obvious, clinical cases at the 'tip' of the iceberg.

My other research focus is on bacterial diseases of sheep and cattle that drive antibiotic use and the selection for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the patterns and practices of antibiotic use (AMU) by farmers and vets. I work with a wide range of collaborators in different disciplines along with industry stakeholders in the UK and Argentina to develop surveillance programs for AMU and AMR funded by BBSRC & CONICET.

Antibiotic usage and resistance in ruminant production systems and Production limiting diseases of sheep and beef cattle

My current research projects focus upon understanding the link between patterns or antibiotic usage and the development of antibiotic resistance. I am currently leading the following project in South America.

"Mapping the patterns and drivers of antibiotic use and environmental resistance in the Argentine beef industry"

Research grants

Ecology and evolution of pathogen-microbiome-host interactions during population-level intermingling

BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE RESEARCH COUNCIL

September 2023 - August 2026

UK-NZ-Argentina Partnership in Antimicrobial Resistome Metagenomics

BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE RESEARCH COUNCIL

July 2022 - June 2024

Enhancing and implementing Knowledge based ICT solutions within high Risk and Uncertain Conditions for Agriculture Production Systems - RUCAPS

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

October 2016 - April 2022

Modelling Beef & Sheep Farm AMU

DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS (UK)

December 2020 - March 2021

Mapping the patterns and drivers of antibiotic use and environmental resistance in the Argentine beef industry.

BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE RESEARCH COUNCIL

August 2019 - March 2024

The Neonatal Mortality and Antibiotic Control Plan

AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURE DEVELOPMENT BOARD (UK)

September 2018 - December 2021