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Pirbright awarded funding to tackle Asian diseases
The pig disease research will focus on viruses caused by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) and swine influenza A.

Research to improve livestock welfare and economic production

More than £1million of funding has been awarded to The Pirbright Institute to tackle major viral diseases that threaten livestock populations in Asia.

The money, awarded by BBSRC-Newton fund, will fund research into two poultry and two pig diseases that have a detrimental impact both on animal welfare and the local economy.

Led by Dr Elma Tchilian, the pig disease research will focus on viruses caused by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) and swine influenza A. Working with colleagues in Thailand, Dr Tchilian hopes to introduce a vaccine strategy that will benefit both animal welfare and the livelihoods of farmers.

The poultry study will be led by Dr Yongxiu Yao and Professor Munir Iqbal who will assess the diseases caused by avian leukosis virus and avian influenza viruses.

Dr Yongxiu Yao’s team will build on links with Chinese institutes through Newton Funded UK-China Centre of Excellence for Research on Avian Diseases (UK-China CERAD) to share expertise and develop strategies for controlling avian leukosis virus.

Professor Munir Iqbal will steer work to offer information about how avian influenza viruses that plague the poultry production systems of China are able to evade current vaccines and what increases the risk of human transmission.

The ultimate aim of the three projects is to improve livestock welfare and economic production, helping to ensure global food security. 

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.