Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 11th March 2013
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel
£14m facility to aid poultry research
New research centre to boost health and welfare

Work has begun on a £14 million research facility at the University of Edinburgh's Easter Bush campus. Resources at the new National Avian Research Facility (NARF) will be made available to both national and international researchers studying issues affecting avian health, including the spread of infections.

The key aims for the new centre include improving sustainability in poultry production and benefitting human health through reducing food-borne diseases. The facility is in collaboration with the Roslin Institute, and will enhance research in areas such as avian immunology, vaccine development and the role that genes play in disease resistance.

Professor David Hume, Director of The Roslin Institute, said: "This build...reflects the growing portfolio of research that The Roslin Institute is undertaking with the aim of improving the health and welfare of chickens."

The NARF will include sterile areas for poultry with different genetic compositions that are resistant to viruses, bacteria and parasites. The centre will also include conventional avian accommodation and laboratories for research.

Professor Pete Kaiser of The Roslin Institute, who will head up the new facility, said: "Chicken is a production animal of major economic importance around the world with 50 billion birds being bred every year. This facility will provide The Roslin Institute and its partners with an outstanding environment for undertaking the studies that will lead to major improvements in poultry health and welfare."

Construction of the facility is due to be completed in late 2014, and is being funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), the Roslin Foundation and the University of Edinburgh. 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.