Students at Hartpury had the opportunity to hear from an expert at the forefront of research into measures that can help prevent the spread of bovine tuberculosis.

Dr Johanna Judge, a researcher for the Animal and Plant Health Agency, sits on the DEFRA Bio Security Implementation Group alongside Hartpury’s Head of Agriculture, Janatha Stout. The group, which brings together experts from all over the country, looks at what practical steps can be taken to minimise contact between badgers and cattle and reduce the potential for the spread of disease.

Dr Judge, for example, was one of a team of researchers that investigated the effectiveness of simple exclusion measures to prevent badgers from visiting farm buildings, including sheet metal gates and fencing, feed storage and electric fencing.

For the full story, see the Ross Gazette.