EPIC scientists present posters showcasing recent EPIC work at the ENRA Science, Evidence and Policy conference
On 23 September 2024, EPIC scientists Sibylle Mohr and Eleanor Watson presented posters showcasing recent EPIC work on BTV-3, and Nanopore sequencing at the ENRA Science, Evidence and Policy conference. The conference was organised by the Scottish Government's Rural & Environmental Science and Analytical Services (RESAS) and hosted at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh.
Sharing the poster titled, Modelling BTV-3 Spread and Control for Scotland, Sibylle presented the findings from modeling, movement analysis, and economic assessments that evaluate impacts and control strategies of BTV-3 across Great Britain.
"The findings aim to inform Scottish Government policy, reducing the virus’ potential effects on animal health, agriculture, and the environment," Mohr explains.
The simulation model referenced on Mohr's poster was adapted to use daily temperatures, and found that higher temperatures led to larger outbreaks. According to the work, simulations predicted any incursion in Scotland would only cause minor BTV-3 outbreaks. Access the full BTV-3 poster here.
Additionally, EPIC-funded work on Nanopore sequencing for disease surveillance in wildlife and the environment, was featured on a Moredun Research Institute poster. The poster was presented by Eleanor Watson and titled, Assessing Disease Risks in Changing Environments.
Enabling a global approach to pathogen identification and detection of AMR genes, Watson and the other authors state that Nanosequencing could be used in One Health studies and conservation efforts related to wildlife diseases in changing environments. View the Moredun poster here.
Visit the SEFARI (Scottish Environment, Food and Agriculture Research Institutes) blog to view all posters presented at the ENRA conference.