[Cosmore]

Academics and undergraduates from the University of Exeter are set to work with school pupils from Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester on a new study to explore the distribution of Lyme disease in the Dorset region.
http://www.exeter.ac.uk/news/research/title_457635_en.html
 

Anyone (i.e. smallholders, farmers, vets etc.,) able to help will be asked to collect animal ticks for the school pupils who will use the latest laboratory techniques to reveal the ticks’ genetic fingerprints.
The results will be used to map the distribution of ticks in Dorset and investigate their role in the spread of Lyme disease.

The project will investigate the epidemiology of Borrelia Spirochaetes and is funded by a Royal Society Partnership Grant, led by Simon Lewis – a biology teacher at Thomas Hardye School. The prestigious scheme offers school students the opportunity to get involved in real life current research and engage with discussions in the local community.

The project will also involve three undergraduate final year project students from the University of Exeter, who will work with the school and scientists at the University as part of the scheme. 

 A full collection kit and instructions will be provided, it will be collected during September 2015. There will be feedback to participants later next year (2016).
If you live in Dorset and are willing and able to help, please contact :-

Simon Lewis, Biology teacher, Thomas Hardye School, Dorchester.
email : [email protected]
or Tel: 01305 266064.