Lead Supervisor: Prof Katharina Staerk & Dr Barbara Wieland (RVC)
Co-Supervisor: Dr Chris Dewberry (Bbk)
The livestock industry in the UK is under continued financial pressure and the pig sector has been particularly hard hit over the last few years. The livestock farmer is a key stakeholder in a complex network, and the decisions he/she makes are influenced not only by financial factors but also by other stakeholders, tradition, and his/her own perceptions. An understanding of farmers' decision making processes, how they operate, the influence they exert through other stakeholders, and how this is influenced by the difficult economic circumstances in which farmers currently find themselves, is therefore crucial if research results are to support sustainable farming and animal health.
The project uses Post-weaning and Multi-systemic Wasting Syndrome (PMWS) as a model disease and economic models at farm level will be developed to identify best control options. Based on these models the project then has two principal aims: the first is to develop an understanding of the factors involved in the livestock-related decision-making of farmers when it comes to the control of PMWS, and with this information to establish the most effective way of communicating research-based recommendations to them. The second is to identify ways of modifying practices in pig herd management which will prevent the spread of infectious diseases in livestock.
The successful applicant has sound knowledge of the UK pig industry and a strong epidemiological background (MSc or similar). Experience in animal health economics and a particular interest in social sciences are an advantage. The project provides insight in interdisciplinary research and the student will benefit from close collaboration of the two institutes.
Further details about the project may be obtained from:
Lead Supervisor: Dr Barbara Wieland; bwieland@rvc.ac.uk
http://www.vetschools.co.uk/EpiVetNet/epidivision/wieland/wieland.htm
Co-Supervisor: Dr Chris Dewberry; c.dewberry@bbk.ac.uk
http://www.bbk.ac.uk/manop/orgpsychology/staff/dewberry/dewberry.shtml
Further information about PhDs at the Royal Veterinary College is available from:
http://www.rvc.ac.uk/Education/Postgraduate/PhD/Index.cfm
Application forms and details about how to apply are available from:
http://www.rvc.ac.uk/Education/Postgraduate/Index.cfm
The Graduate School
The Royal Veterinary College
Royal College Street
London NW1 0TU
United Kingdom
email: graduateschool@rvc.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)20 7468 5134
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7468 5060
Additional Application Requirements
The standard application form should be complemented by a letter of intention and a CV.
Closing date for applications is 25 February 2009