New VLA Virology Facility to Benefit Exotic Disease Research
Inside one of the high containment laboratories
With state-of-the-art technologies and an innovative modular design for secure biocontainment, the laboratory will be the hub of a diverse range of research activities.
Viral diseases, such as influenza and rabies, which continue to be a threat to man, livestock, companion animals and wildlife will be studied and particularly those whose importance has escalated through climate change.
The laboratory has specialist facilities to maintain insect colonies so VLA scientists can study their potential to act as vectors. This will support research on diseases transmitted by insect vectors which are seen as an increased risk especially due to climate change. Examples include West Nile fever virus, Japanese encephalitis virus and tick-borne encephalitis.
The building will also house VLA’s virus repository for avian influenza, Newcastle disease, rabies and other exotic viruses as well as providing an enhanced capability for maintaining virus archives supported by the European Virus Archive (EVA) project.
Prof. Peter Borriello opening the new facility
The new facility will also underpin VLA’s essential reference laboratory activities. It will provide further opportunities for developing its academic partnerships with UK universities as well as leading a number research projects with international networks such as CIDLID, ArboZooNet, FluTrain and Offlu.
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.
