New Partnership Formed
The signing of the new Memorandum of Understanding between the VLA and the University of Surrey.
Experts in infectious diseases at the University of Surrey have formed a unique partnership with a government veterinary agency to help tackle global animal and public health issues. The pioneering collaboration brings together scientists from the Microbial Sciences Division of the University and the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA), part of the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs.
Research collaborations will focus on a range of areas including Salmonella, TB, human gastroenteritis viruses, E. coli and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance in food producing animals.
The new Memorandum of Understanding is a landmark to acknowledge the major collaborative activities that have arisen between the two institutions over the last year covering joint activities in veterinary research and education.
The work includes the launch of a new joint undergraduate programme in Veterinary Biosciences, the appointment of a joint academic post, Professor Roberto La Ragione, and the award of a Visiting Professorship to Professor Martin Woodward of the VLA, which has its headquarters in Surrey.
Dr Lisa Roberts, Head of the Microbial Sciences Division at The University of Surrey, said: “I am delighted with the deepening relationship between the University and VLA, particularly in bringing together our complementary research expertise to answer important research questions.
Our working together has already resulted in the award of major joint funding to study microbial fuel cells and antibiotic resistance. I believe our future plans will even further enhance our research collaborations and development of joint teaching programmes".
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
