The Impact of Maedi Visna on Breeding Flocks

Background:

The School of Veterinary Medicine and Science at the University of Nottingham was established in 2006. The School undertakes research on many key aspects of companion animals and livestock health and production. Research at the School is integrated into the University structure with established world class research in biomedical sciences within the other University Schools. Research undertaken at the School is relevant to both Veterinary Medicine and Science and Comparative and Human Medicine. The diversity of research interests among academic members of staff, together with the collaborative nature of our research, extensive state-of-the-art research facilities and excellent technical expertise provided by skilled laboratory technicians and up to date information technology places us at the leading edge of veterinary research and development

Project description:

Maedi Visna is a lentiviral disease (the same class of viruses as HIV) of sheep and goats that is increasing in prevalence in the UK. The disease can have devastating impacts on affected flocks. In common with other lentiviral diseases the onset of the disease is slow and detecting all infected animals can be difficult. This means that the disease is hard to eliminate and that it is often not noticed in sheep flocks until large numbers of animals are affected. This project will be mainly laboratory based, though the potential to be involved in work with animals can be developed. The project has three main aims: 1. developing and trialling a more reliable and cheaper qPCR test for the virus, 2. A longitudinal study of sheep naturally infected with Maedi Visna to quantify the impacts of the virus on the animals health. 3. A study in animals of the potential for the virus to be sexually transmitted.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to the principal supervisor: Rachael Tarlinton: [Email Address Removed]

Candidates should apply online at http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/how-to-apply/apply-online.aspx and include a cv.

Any queries regarding the application process should be addressed to Postgraduate Admissions Officer
email: [Email Address Removed].

For full details on our admissions process including English language entry requirements please visit http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/vet/prospectivestudents/postgraduate/admissions-process.aspx.


Start Date:
1st October 2016.

Closing date:
The position will be filled when suitable candidates have been identified. Early application is strongly encouraged.