Early warning of lungworm infection in cattle for agricultural sustainability: Don’t leave them breathless
Supervisors
Connor Bamford, School of Biological Sciences, Queens Belfast
Eric Morgan, School of Biological Sciences, Queens Belfast
Kathryn Ellis, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow
Roz Laing, School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow
Jenni McIntyre, School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow
Summary
Lungworm infection causes damaging disease in cattle and its management is seriously undermined by lack of tools for early warning: by the time infections are mature and detectable in faecal samples disease is usually well advanced and hard to treat. This project will develop and evaluate novel biomarkers in faeces and sputum, in drinking water and on pasture, and through microphones to detect the classic ‘husk’ cough, to provide early indications of infection and trigger targeted treatment. Additionally changes to the respiratory microbiome will be measured and the consequences of coinfection with respiratory viruses assessed.
The student will adapt existing computer models of parasite dynamics to predict high risk periods and co-develop with farmers and vets a suite of tools to support decisions on health management. The effect of new complementary control methods, especially high-tannin swards, on parasite transmission will be investigated. The successful student will receive training in molecular biology, virology, parasitology, epidemiology and computer modelling, and gain experience in disease diagnosis and management. They will join a team working on underpinning BBSRC-funded research on endemic coinfections under climate change (link below) and will work closely with industry stakeholders, availing of informal training opportunities in many transferable skills.
https://www.ukri.org/news/uk-invests-9-million-in-fight-against-endemic-livestock-disease/