Scientists will consult DEFRA

The UK's Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has formed a new Bovine TB (bTB) Science Advisory Body to provide the government with independent advice on bTB-related research.

Chaired by Professor Quintin McKellar, principal and dean of the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), its remit is to provide an expert oversight on the DEFRA-funded bTB research program and identify gaps in the evidence base, as well as advising on the strategic direction and priorities of all DEFRA's bTB-related research.

Other members of the body are Professor Douglas Young of Imperial College's Centre for Molecular Microbiology and Infection, Professor Dirk Pfeiffer of the RVC's Epidemiology Division, Professor Cecil McMurray of the Sci-Tech Consultancy and Dr Andrew Moxey of Pareto Consulting.

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