Farmed animals are vital to global food security but can transmit harmful microbes to humans through the food chain.

Among these are bacteria such as Salmonella, Campylobacter and E. coli that cause gastroenteritis in people.

Worldwide, these three agents cause an estimated 174 million cases of foodborne illness every year at a high recurring cost to society and the economy.

In some instances, such microbes can also cause disease in their farm animal hosts to the detriment of productivity and welfare.

During his lecture, Professor Mark Stevens will describe his research to identify bacterial and host factors that contribute to the ability of foodborne pathogens to persist in farm animals and cause disease, and how this can inform the design of control strategies.