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New website for veterinary researchers to find resources and collaborate
“This really takes veterinary immunology forward in ways we have been struggling with for many years."

The Immunological Toolbox features comprehensive repository of antibodies

A new website for veterinary researchers to find resources and collaborate has been launched by scientists at the Pirbright and Roslin Institutes.


The Immunological Toolbox features an up-to-date and comprehensive repository of antibodies and modified proteins available from academic institutes and commercial organisations.

It contains some 1600 immortalised cell lines that produce well-characterised antibodies against pig, chicken sheep, horse, goat and fish molecules. Users can search the location, supply and application of these immune reagents, and submit requests for new reagents and antibody production.

The website also enables researchers to provide feedback about the use of each reagent. Once registered, members can leave ratings, comments, submit supporting data, references images and any other evidence they see fit. 


Professor Gary Entrican, chair of the IUIS Veterinary Immunology Committee said: “The Immunological Toolbox website is an excellent resource for the veterinary immunology community. We have never before had a website where we could search for reagent specificity, backed-up with functional data and the facility to fill gaps in capability by commissioning reagent production. 


“This really takes veterinary immunology forward in ways we have been struggling with for many years. I encourage all members of our community to use the website and contribute information on reagent specificity and function for the collective good.”

Platforms similar to this have previously been developed, but a lack of funding has meant they have been difficult to maintain.

“The Immunological Toolbox has a funding model that is designed to last the test of time," explains Professor John Hammond, project lead at Pirbright.

"Instead of being funded through one or two grants that span a handful of years, the Toolbox is supported through Pirbright and Roslin’s long term strategic funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC UKRI), which provides a new level of sustainability.”

Researchers expect the number of reagents and species included to increase as more information is gathered from institutions across the globe.

Image (C) Pirbright Institute.

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
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NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.