Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
05:03
Visualizing the Effects of Sputum on Biofilm Development Using a Chambered Coverglass Model
Published on: December 14, 2016
9.1K
Understanding and managing bTB risk: perspectives from Ireland
1UCD Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
Veterinary Microbiology
|March 1, 2015
Summary
Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) risk varies greatly in Irish herds. Understanding bTB persistence and improving testing accuracy are crucial for eventual eradication, requiring greater farmer engagement.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Epidemiology
- Animal Health Management
- Infectious Disease Control
Background:
- Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) presents significant herd-specific risk variations in Ireland.
- Persistent bTB infections within herds are a key characteristic of the endemic disease.
- Effective management necessitates a deep understanding of bTB epidemiology and risk factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current understanding and management strategies for bTB risk in Ireland.
- To analyze the drivers of policy change and identify future challenges in bTB control.
- To inform strategies for achieving bTB eradication through scientific and policy integration.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive review of scientific research on bTB persistence and infection sources.
- Analysis of Irish bTB policy development, driven by scientific advances and program reviews.
- Identification of key challenges hindering bTB eradication efforts.
Main Results:
- Most herds contribute minimally to the endemic bTB spread.
- Infection sources include residual disease and re-infection from various origins.
- Policy changes are influenced by scientific progress, program support, and reviews.
Conclusions:
- Significant challenges remain in achieving final bTB eradication.
- Improving test specificity and addressing false positives are critical as prevalence decreases.
- Enhanced farmer engagement and program ownership are essential for successful bTB control.
Related Concept Videos
01:49Probability Laws
Overview
01:52Regression Toward the Mean
Regression toward the mean (“RTM”) is a phenomenon in which extremely high or low values—for example, and individual’s blood pressure at a particular moment—appear closer to a group’s average upon remeasuring. Although this statistical peculiarity is the result of random error and chance, it has been problematic across various medical, scientific, financial and psychological applications. In particular, RTM, if not taken into account, can interfere when researchers try to extrapolate results...
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
Essential infection prevention measures are based on the knowledge of the infection chain, the modes of transmission in healthcare settings, and the use of the best practices in all healthcare settings. Compulsory public reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates is needed to allow individuals and the community to make informed choices regarding selecting a healthcare facility.
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:03Drug Control Governance: Regulatory Bodies and Their Impact
Drug control governance involves the oversight and regulation of pharmaceuticals to ensure their safety and efficacy while preventing illegal drug use and trafficking. Regulatory bodies, including the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Union's European Medicines Agency (EMA), play a central role in this process. These agencies evaluate the safety and efficacy of drugs before they can be marketed. They fund clinical trials and assess the benefits and risks associated with a...
01:23Types of Biopharmaceutical Studies: Controlled and Non-Controlled Approaches
Biopharmaceutical studies constitute a vital field aiming to enhance drug delivery methods and refine therapeutic approaches, drawing upon diverse interdisciplinary knowledge. In research methodologies, the choice between controlled and non-controlled studies significantly influences the study's reliability and accuracy.
Non-controlled studies, commonly employed for initial exploration, lack a control group, rendering them susceptible to biases and external influences. In contrast, controlled...
Non-controlled studies, commonly employed for initial exploration, lack a control group, rendering them susceptible to biases and external influences. In contrast, controlled...
01:29Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Affecting Factors
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) is the clinical practice of measuring specific drug levels in a patient's blood or body tissues to manage and optimize therapy. TDM is crucial for drugs with narrow therapeutic windows, like warfarin and phenytoin, where incorrect doses can lead to treatment failure or severe side effects. This monitoring ensures the dosage administered is within a safe and effective range. The factors affecting therapeutic drug monitoring include:Patient-Specific Factors:a.