Dr Hannah Shaw

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

Animal Health, Behaviour and Welfare, Harper Adams University

Scientific Background

Research Interests

Dr. Hannah Jade Shaw currently investigates Cryptosporidium with a focus on its transmission dynamics, molecular epidemiology, long term implications for disease and public-health impact. Her interests include determining species and subtype diversity through genomics, improving rapid diagnostics, catchment surveillance (including wastewater and environmental sampling), and identifying reservoirs that drive zoonotic and waterborne outbreaks. She applies a One Health approach to map risk across humans, animals, and the environment.

Dr. Shaw explores host–pathogen interactions and parasite survival on farm, examining factors like oocyst persistence, long term implications of disease and disinfection resistance to inform evidence-based control strategies. Ultimately, her work aims to translate laboratory and field insights into practical interventions and policy guidance that reduce parasite burden globally.

Research Groups

Animal Science Research Centre

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: student-centred, organised, guiding

Provision of Training

My training approach is hands-on, providing close guidance and support to build skills and confidence. As students progress, I intentionally step back to encourage independence, critical thinking, and ownership of their work.

Progression Monitoring and Management

I take a supportive and structured approach to progression monitoring, which will include regular check-ins and clear milestones to track. Feedback is constructive and tailored, helping individuals stay on course while adapting goals to their strengths and needs.

Communication

I prioritise clear and consistent communication, ensuring expectations and feedback are timely. I encourage a collaborative environment where questions and ideas are welcomed.

Meetings

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me at least once per fortnight. These meetings will be a mixture of face-to-face and via video chat or telephone. I am usually contactable for an instant response on every working day.

Work Patterns

The timing of work in my lab is completely flexible, and (other than attending pre-arranged meetings) I expect students to manage their own time. Generally facilities and guidance will be available Mon-Fri 9-5.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 2 weeks' notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5,000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Primary supervisor for:

Assessing Long-Term Consequences of Cryptosporidiosis for Dairy Cattle Productivity and Farm Sustainability

See the PhD Opportunities section to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

Please Note: The main page lists projects via BBSRC Research Theme(s) quoted and then relevant Topic(s).

Assessing Long-Term Consequences of Cryptosporidiosis for Dairy Cattle Productivity and Farm Sustainability

Secondary Supervisor(s): Dr Emma Bleach

University of Registration: Harper Adams University

BBSRC Research Themes:

Sustainable Agriculture and Food (Animal Health and Welfare)
Understanding the Rules of Life (Microbiology)

Project Outline

Cryptosporidiosis is a common disease affecting livestock and humans, caused by Cryptosporidium, a single celled parasite, that produces highly resilient oocysts. These oocysts can survive for months in farm environments and are difficult to eliminate. While its acute effects are well documented, the long-term impacts on productivity remain poorly understood in dairy systems. Shaw et al. have demonstrated that early-life cryptosporidiosis can have lasting effects on growth in beef calves, yet equivalent data for dairy calves are lacking, representing a critical knowledge gap for the dairy sector. This PhD will provide the first integrated assessment of cryptosporidiosis in dairy herds, combining longitudinal calf monitoring, environmental studies, and farmer engagement.

The objectives are:

(1) Quantify long-term production impacts by monitoring infected and uninfected calves for weight gain, growth, age at first calving, and first-lactation yield.

(2) Evaluate environmental contamination to identify reservoirs and transmission risks.

(3) Assess farmer perceptions and practices through surveys and interviews, exploring awareness, perceived long-term impacts, and attitudes toward environmental contamination.

(4) Communicate findings to deliver evidence-based recommendations for sustainable control strategies to a variety of stakeholders.

This research will quantify the hidden economic burden of cryptosporidiosis, identify opportunities to improve productivity, and guide best-practice calf health management. It will also provide insights for biosecurity and One Health. Farmer perspectives will ensure that outputs are practical, to ensure the adoption of control measures. Outcomes will inform livestock health policies, contribute to antimicrobial resistance reduction strategies by emphasising prevention, and support the sustainability agenda by improving dairy calf welfare and productivity.

Anthelmintic Resistance and Sustainable Parasite Control in UK Goat Systems

See the PhD Opportunities section to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

Please Note: The main page lists projects via BBSRC Research Theme(s) quoted and then relevant Topic(s).

Anthelmintic Resistance and Sustainable Parasite Control in UK Goat Systems

Secondary Supervisor(s): Dr Holly Vickery

University of Registration: Harper Adams University

BBSRC Research Themes:

Sustainable Agriculture and Food (Animal Health and Welfare)
Understanding the Rules of Life (Microbiology)

Project Outline

Goats are an increasingly important livestock species due to their adaptability, efficiency, and the rising demand for goat milk products. Compared with cattle, goats require fewer inputs, emit less methane, and produce milk with recognised nutritional benefits (Koluman Darcan & Silanikove, 2018; Haenlein, 2004). Europe plays a disproportionately large role in the global dairy goat sector, producing 15% of the world's goat milk despite holding only 1.4% of the global herd (FAOSTAT, 2023). With the goat milk market expanding rapidly (Arizton, 2022), sustainable herd health and productivity are of increasing importance.

Anthelmintic resistance is well documented in sheep, but goat-specific data are limited. Goats metabolise drugs more rapidly than sheep, yet most anthelmintics are used off-label, raising concerns about underdosing, reduced efficacy, residues, and accelerating resistance. At the same time, little is known about UK goat farmers understanding of AR or their adoption of sustainable control strategies. Beyond animal health, anthelmintic use has wider ecological consequences. Understanding how farmers use and perceive treatments is therefore critical.

This project will address these gaps by evaluating the prevalence, effectiveness, uptake and perceptions of anthelmintics in pasture-based goats to provide the first comprehensive characterisation of UK pastured goat systems in relation to parasite management. Outcomes will inform policy, strengthen advisory frameworks and contribute to sustainable parasite control.

Objectives

1 Characterise UK pastured goat systems, describing parasite management practices and key challenges.

2 Assess anthelmintic use and efficacy, including dosing strategies and product performance.

3 Explore farmer understanding of AR, use of SCOPS guidelines, and adoption of sustainable strategies.

4 Examine advisory roles and communication pathways, identifying barriers and opportunities for effective knowledge exchange.