A young Bangor student has been helping scientists tackle the spread of bluetongue disease among animals across Northern Ireland.

As a result of involvement in the Sentinus Nuffield Bursary Scheme, Stuart Watson, from the South Eastern Regional College, spent six weeks on placement at Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) headquarters in Belfast investigating the emergence and feeding activity of biting midges which act as vectors of the bluetongue virus.

Stuart, who is a HND student (Biology with Chemistry), said: “This was an extremely useful and practical piece of research into one of the major challenges facing the Northern Ireland animal husbandry sector.”

AFBI Senior Scientific Officer Dr Stephen Jess said they were “very grateful” for Stuart's contribution.

“Introduction of the virus could have devastating effects on the industry so it’s important to investigate bluetongue thoroughly and take steps to prevent any further outbreaks,” Dr Jess said.

Sentinus is a not-for-profit education charity which aims to promote sciences and life skills in young people.

The research which Stuart undertook informs policy for the control of bluetongue disease adopted by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.