Disease Investigation at Farm Level

This subject is not offered in 2012.

Approximately 112 hours per semester

The following subjects are prerequisites:

None

Information learned in the prior modules of this course

None

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability will impact on their academic performance are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Subject Coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Correctly identifying an emergency animal disease on the farm, interpreting the circumstances precipitating its appearance, and devising immediate control measures in anticipation of a larger campaign, lie at the heart of a response.

Lectures, tutorials, and a practical exercise will train students in ascertaining and recording epidemiological history, clinical details and the performance of a post mortem examination. These will form the background to designing an immediate on-farm response.

On completion of this subject, students will have gained:
• detailed knowledge of history-taking, clinical examination, post-mortem examination and sampling needed at farm level where an EAD is suspected;
• understanding of environmental and management factors as they impact on disease dynamics; and
• knowledge of risk-factor analysis as it applies to the design of a disease response at farm level.

Students will be assessed on participation in on-line forums, an on-line quiz in week 5, a practical exercise in week 7 and a written exam in weeks 9 and 10. You will need to identify a university near you where you can be supervised to take the written exam.

The assessment components of this subject are:

• Participation in on-line forums (5%)
• On-line quiz (10%)
• Practical exercise (20%)
• Written 2-hour exam (60%)

Students will use a reading list of scientific articles from the current literature, which will be provided on-line.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject, students should have developed their:
• problem-solving and analytical skills; and
• integration of knowledge from various sources.

Reliable internet access with at least a medium speed connection and a personal computer are essential for undertaking this online program. The content is accessed through your web browser. Microsoft Office™ and Adobe Acrobat Reader or equivalent software packages are necessary for assessment tasks, assignments and some class exercises.