APPLICATION OF BAYESIAN METHODS IN ANIMAL HEALTH

8th – 10th December 2008, The University of Sydney, Camden

A three-day short course explored the application of Bayesian methods in animal health. This course was led by Professor Wes Johnson from the Department of Statistics, The University of California, Irvine. Professor Johnson is famous in the animal health community for his pioneering research in the field of Bayesian methods and diagnostic test evaluation. His main research interests are in developing Bayesian statistical methods for biostatistical and epidemiologic applications. He is currently involved with collaborative efforts to develop asymptotic posterior distribution theory for mixed models, Bayesian methods for assessing diagnostic test accuracy and for estimating prevalence when no gold standard is available. Professor Johnson was assisted by Dr Navneet Dhand and Associate Professor Peter Thomson from The University of Sydney Faculty of Veterinary Science. The course was presented as a combination of lecture, workshop and practical sessions.

Day 1, course participants were introduced to probability theory and Bayesian methods. On day 2, the application of Bayesian methods to diagnostic test evaluation was covered. During the final day, participants explored advanced methods, including demonstration of freedom from disease, and became comfortable using software programs (including WinBugs).