CALLING ALL FARMERS, VETS, ECOLOGISTS, ENGINEERS AND DESIGNERS…
In collaboration with Defra and using funding from the N8 pump-priming grant, Dr Ruth Little from the University of Sheffield with Dr Stephen Clune and Dr. Emmanuel Tsekleves from Lancaster University are running two two-day ‘design hacks’ on farms in Cornwall and Cheshire to identify how we can improve animal health on livestock farms in the UK. Bovine tuberculosis – the greatest animal health problem in England and Wales – will be used as a case study, focusing on the ideals of preventing disease transmission and the practicalities of implementing them at the farm level. Cutting down opportunities for infection between cattle and between cattle and wildlife remains a key challenge in tackling the disease.
Limiting opportunities for disease transmission is a key priority for Defra, so they are actively supporting these events. Attendees from Defra, the Welsh Government, the National Farmers Union and the incoming President of the British Cattle Veterinary Association are already confirmed.
Attend a ‘design hack’ session on:
Monday 21st & Tuesday 22nd November 2016 (Reaseheath College, Cheshire)
…to help design new ways of improving disease prevention on farms.
- What are the challenges involved in preventing disease transmission between animals?
- Are there ways to redesign disease management?
- Retrofit farm buildings?
- Design new technologies?
We need a wide range of expertise to address these challenges. From practical on-farm experience through to design and engineering skills via veterinary, epidemiological and ecology knowledge.
Can you help?
RSVP to bTBengage@defra.gsi.gov.uk to register your interest in attending. Please provide your name, contact details, preferred hack location and a brief description of your expertise.
Travel, accommodation and meals will be provided
Follow-on funding may be available to help develop ideas resulting from the hacks
For the Cornwall event, please register your interest by Tuesday 18th October
For the Cheshire event, please register your interest by Tuesday 25th October