D. Mealing
Papers
1
Total Citations
23
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1
About
Dr. D. Mealing is a leading researcher in wildlife disease diagnostics, with a primary focus on tuberculosis (TB) in European badgers (*Meles meles*). Their most significant contribution is the development and evaluation of a groundbreaking real-time PCR assay for measuring gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) mRNA in badger blood cultures. This work, published in 2007 and cited 23 times, provides a highly sensitive and specific molecular tool for detecting *Mycobacterium bovis* infection—a critical advancement for managing bovine TB transmission between wildlife and livestock. By comparing IFN-gamma mRNA levels stimulated by bovine and avian tuberculin alongside specific mycobacterial antigens, Mealing’s assay offers a reliable, non-invasive diagnostic alternative to traditional methods. This research has direct implications for wildlife conservation and agricultural biosecurity, enabling more accurate surveillance of TB in badger populations. Dr. Mealing’s work bridges molecular biology and field epidemiology, establishing a foundation for improved disease control strategies in complex ecological systems. Their contributions remain vital for researchers tackling zoonotic diseases at the wildlife-livestock interface.
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