Brian is the Bacteriology Diagnostic Team Manager at Fera. His role is to co-ordinate the delivery of high-quality bacterial diagnostic services to UK and overseas government and commercial clients.

The team is made up of a range of experts utilising and applying traditional and cutting-edge techniques to facilitate the identification and diagnosis of plant pathogenic bacteria in both symptomatic and non-symptomatic plant material. Accurate, timely identification of bacterial plant diseases is essential in assisting farmers and growers protect and limit losses in crops. The screening for and identification of Quarantine listed organisms is vital in assisting in the prevention of introduction and spread of invasive pests within the UK.

Brian has worked within the Bacteriology team for 17 years delivering diagnosis of disease caused by plant pathogenic bacteria and surveillance of samples for specified bacterial pathogens. Brian works closely with Defra and APHA to assist in the management of quarantine bacterial organisms through scientific knowledge and support. He has delivered extensive surveillance monitoring throughout his time at Fera overseeing multiple interceptions and outbreak response for quarantine listed bacteria.