Version 2
30th March 2015
22/07/09
Participant Information Sheet
Is Schmallenberg virus still circulating in the South of England?
Dear Farmer,
You are being invited to participate in a research study. Before you decide whether to participate, it
is important for you to understand why the research is being done and what it will involve. Please
take time to read the following information carefully and feel free to ask us if you would like more
information or if there is anything you do not understand. We would like to stress that you do not
have to accept this invitation and should only agree to take part in the study if you wish to.
Purpose of the Study
The study is attempting to find evidence for the continued circulation of Schmallenberg virus within the
South of England. To do this we would like to take blood samples from 12 sheep on your farm. We are
aiming to sample sheep that were born between October 30th 2014 and April 1st 2015 which have not been
vaccinated against Schmallenberg virus, as we will be testing the blood samples for antibodies to the
disease. Information collected from your farm will be treated confidentially so that your farm and the data
collected remains anonymous.
Why have I been chosen to take part?
Your farm has been chosen to take part as you are within the geographical area of interest to our study, or
have been recommended to us by your vet. Your participation is voluntary and you will be free to withdraw
at any time during the study.
What will happen if I take part?
A researcher will visit your farm and, with your assistance, individually blood sample 12 sheep. 7ml of blood
will be taken from the jugular vein of each sheep and their sex and breed will be recorded.
Expenses
The project will pay for all blood sampling equipment, tests and labour involved.
Are there any risks in taking part?
1.
Risks to sheep
All researchers taking part in the study have been trained in the handling of sheep. The researcher
collecting the blood samples holds a personal licence for collecting blood from sheep.
2.
Biosecurity
To minimise the risk of spreading diseases between farms all protective clothing, equipment and vehicles
used on farms will undergo thorough cleansing and disinfection between farms according to Defra
guidelines.
Are there any benefits to taking part?
Up to 12 of your sheep within your flock will be tested for antibodies to Schmallenberg virus free of charge.
What if I am unhappy or there is a problem?
If you are unhappy, or if there is a problem, please feel free to let us know by contacting Jennifer Duncan
on 0151 794 6050 and we will try to help. If you remain unhappy or have a complaint which you feel you
cannot come to us with then you should contact the Research Governance Officer on 0151 794 8290
(ethics@liv.ac.uk). When contacting the Research Governance Officer, please provide details of the name
or description of the study (so that it can be identified), the researcher(s) involved, and the details of the
complaint you are making.
Will my participation be kept confidential? What will happen to the results of the study?
All data collected on your farm will be made anonymous by giving your farm a number before it is entered
on to a secure database at the University of Liverpool. The research team will have access to the data:
however the computers used are all password and anti-virus protected. All paper records from the farm
visits will be stored in a locked filing cabinet in a locked office. Data collected will be stored for 13 years in
accordance with University Regulations. This data may be published in scientific journals, the farming press,
and at scientific meetings. All results will be anonimised so that it will not be possible to identify your farm
or your animals. After these 13 years the data will be destroyed in line with University Regulations.
Will my taking part be covered by an insurance scheme?
Participants taking part in a University of Liverpool ethically approved study will have cover.
What will happen if I want to stop taking part in the study?
You can withdraw from the study at any time, without explanation. If you are willing results up to
the period of withdrawal may be used, otherwise you may request that they are destroyed and no
further action taken.
Who can I contact if I have further questions?
Professor Matthew Baylis
matthew.baylis@liv.ac.uk
0151 794 6084
Dr Jennifer Duncan
jsduncan@liverpool.ac.uk
0151 794 6050
Thank you for reading this,
Matthew Baylis, Jennifer Duncan & Jessica Stokes
Miss Jessica Stokes
j.stokes@liverpool.ac.uk
0151 794 6036