Hi, My name is Jane Lamb and I am conducting this research as part of my PhD in the School of Environmental and Rural Science at the University of New England. My supervisors are Dr Emma Doyle, Dr Jamie Barwick, Dr Michael Chambers and Professor Lewis Kahn.
Research Project
Prevalence of liver fluke and drug resistance in Macropus spp. (kangaroos)
Aim of the Research
This research aims to explore grazier management practices of liver fluke in livestock to obtain a better understanding of the distribution of liver fluke and impact of kangaroos on dispersal in livestock.
Survey
I would like to invite you to complete a survey. The survey will take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete.
Confidentiality
Any personal details gathered in the course of the study will remain confidential. No individual will be identified by name in any publication of the results. All data collected will be de-identified and aggregated by postcode to ensure your anonymity. This will also be done in a way to ensure that you are not identifiable. Personal details will only be used to contact those graziers who agree to kangaroo faecal collections on the survey (Question 15). In the situation whereby kangaroo faecal samples are tested for liver fluke, results of testing will also be de-identified and data will be stored on an EXCEL spreadsheet and aggregated by postcode. No individual’s property details or identity will be revealed throughout this study.
Participation is Voluntary
Please understand that your involvement in this study is voluntary and I respect your right to withdraw consent and to discontinue participation in the activities at any time without consequence. To be a participant you must be over 18 years of age.
Survey Questions
The survey questions will not be of a sensitive nature: rather they are general and will enable me to enhance my knowledge on liver fluke management and impact of kangaroo’s on disease in livestock.
Use of Information
I will use information from the survey as part of my doctoral thesis, which I expect to complete in 2021. Information from the survey may also be used in academic journal articles and conference presentations before and after this date. At all times I will safeguard your identity by presenting the information aggregated by postcode. Your participation in the survey confirms your consent to me using your answers in my research and publishing the data whilst safeguarding your identity.
Upsetting Issues
It is unlikely that this research will raise any personal or upsetting issues but if it does you may wish to contact your local Community Health Centre or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
