We are looking for a partner able to accept samples (e.g. faecal, gut etc) from broiler farms and screen them for the presence of common infectious diseases. Farmers commonly apply antibiotics on the basis of rising mortality, changes in feed and water consumption etc. but would benefit from much earlier detection than is currently possible. Targeted use would also help to reduce unnecessary applications. We have a developed a camera system that automatically assesses bird welfare from flock behaviour and aim to test its efficacy as a predictor of infection in commercial flocks. However, in order to do this we need information about the disease status of flocks at different stages of their lives.
The project aims to link welfare, disease risk and behaviour and to demonstrate the financial value of good welfare through its impact on reduction of infection and less reliance on antibiotics.

The University of Oxford offers expertise in a wide range of relevant disciplines including animal behaviour, animal welfare, epidemiology and statistics.