Diagnostic innovation and livestock (DIAL): towards more effective and sustainable applications of antibiotics in livestock farming

DIAL (Diagnostic innovation and Livestock: Toward the effective and sustainable application of antibiotics in livestock farming) is four-year (April 2017 to April 2021) research project funded by theme 4 of the UKRI Antimicrobial Resistance Cross Council Initiative supported by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and other UK Research Councils in partnership with additional funders including DEFRA

The project aims to show how improvements in diagnostics and treatment decisions can lead to better, more effective and sustainable use of antibiotics in livestock farming systems. By generating new understanding of current diagnostic tools and technologies, working with veterinarians, farmers and diagnostic developers, and trialling new diagnostic tools on farms; this research provides better knowledge of improved diagnostic practices and treatment decisions to inform veterinarians and farmers to reduce antibiotic on farm and improve animal welfare.

The research is taking place in the UK and in Tanzania with fieldwork undertaken in both countries.

Led by the University of Exeter and with research teams from the University of Bristol and the University of Edinburgh, the DIAL team brings together interdisciplinary expertise from three academic institutions with collaborators from three partner veterinary practices, and a range of diagnostic developer companies.

Key Research questions

How do current veterinary diagnostic practices and tools, along with on-farm treatment decisions, inform animal health care and, in particular, the use of antimicrobials in livestock systems?
Do new rapid, point-of-care and on-farm diagnostic tests offer the potential to contribute to reductions in unnecessary antimicrobial use?
What other changes in diagnostic practice, data sharing and farm management might contribute to appropriate reductions in antimicrobial use in livestock systems.
How can the economic and regulatory environment encourage the development of new diagnostic tests and technologies in the livestock sector?

Prof Henry Buller

It is with deep sadness that we share news that our dear friend and colleague, Prof. Henry Buller, died at home with his family, on 2nd May. Henry was the PI and driving force behind the DIAL project as well as a vast array of other research. Henry’s intellectual curiosity, vibrancy, warmth, love of transdisciplinary and international connection, means he will be missed by many.

Henry worked extensively on projects around farm animal welfare, the use of antimicrobials in animal care, and agricultural policy change. He edited the Routledge Human-Animal Studies Series and Sociologia Ruralis supporting scholars to shape more-than human studies. Henry’s exceptional generosity, compassion and sense of fun, means many will feel his loss very deeply. Henry had been at the University of Exeter since 2003 and was a central pillar of our community.