Veterinary microbiology and zoonoses; clinical management of pig health and disease
RESEARCH
My research interests lie in the control of infectious diseases, primarily of pigs, that threaten food chain security in the developed and developing world. These threats to food security include animal-to-human infections that could be transmitted in food or directly (zoonoses), over-reliance on antimicrobial drugs, reduced feed conversion efficiency, and compromised welfare. I try to combine my clinical interest in intensive pig production with multidisciplinary research that includes molecular and epidemiological approaches, and social sciences, aiming towards better prevention and management of infectious and zoonotic disease.
CLINICAL
I am a Diplomate of the European College of Pig Health Management and provide clinical expertise to pig producers and related organisations around the world.
POLICY
I contribute to UK government policy though membership of the following groups:
- Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens (UK Department of Health and Social Care)
- Deputy Chair, Advisory Committee on Microbiological Safety of Food (UK Food Standards Agency)
- Pig Expert Group (UK Animal and Plant Health Agency)
TEACHING
I organise the 5th year course: Pig Medicine and support teaching in the 4th year course, Veterinary Public Health.