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Pirbright to support national Track and Trace programme
The Pirbright Insitute will provide diagnostic training to staff joining the new BSPS Lighthouse Laboratory.
Scientists will play a key role in diagnostics training at the BSPS Lighthouse Laboratory.

The Pirbright Institute has announced it is to support the national NHS Test and Trace Programme by providing induction and training for staff joining the new Lighthouse Laboratory in Bracknell.

Operated by NHS Berkshire and Surrey Pathology Services (BSPS), the Lighthouse Laboratory is being established to test COVID-19 samples as part of the UK's efforts to tackle the coronavirus. 

To support the service, scientists at The Pirbright Institute will play a key role in diagnostics training, teaching newly-recruited staff how to use the state-of-the-art diagnostics equipment located at its Surrey campus. The induction programme will include sample management and bio-safety followed by a period of training in scientific diagnostic procedures. 

“We are extremely proud to offer our diagnostic expertise for training the Lighthouse Laboratory's new staff to the highest possible standard,” commented Pirbright's director, Professor Bryan Charleston. “The accommodation of the new training programme at Pirbright has happened at record speed, requiring our staff to adapt rapidly to ensure both the equipment and training protocols are ready to receive the first recruits for training.”

The Pirbright Institute is home to several Reference Laboratories in highly infectious viral livestock diseases, including African swine fever (ASF) and foot-and-mouth-disease (FMD). The Institute also has significant expertise in surveillance and diagnostics, particularly concerning disease outbreaks. 

The Institute will provide ongoing training to the Lighthouse Laboratory during 2021. It will also be offering up a number of its experienced scientists in secondment to the new facility to assist with high throughput diagnostics.

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Greyhound Board announces change to vaccination guidance

News Story 1
 The Greyhound Board of Great Britain has published new vaccination guidance, with all greyhounds registered from 1 January, 2027 required to have the L4 leptospirosis vaccination, rather than L2.

The change comes in response to the reduced availability of the 'L2' Leptospirosis vaccine across the UK, and aims to support best biosecurity practice across the racing greyhound population.

GBGB veterinary director Simon Gower, said "While rare, Leptospirosis is a serious infectious disease that can affect both dogs and humans, so it is vital that we offer our greyhounds the broadest possible protection.  

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Free webinar explores congenital heart disease in dogs

A free webinar is to provide veterinary professionals, dog breeders and pet owners an new insights into congenital heart disease.

Chris Linney, a cardiology specialist and Veterinary Cardiovascular Society (VSC) member, will present the webinar from 7.00pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, 12 November.

Dr Linney will explore the types, causes and clinical presentation of congenital heart conditions. This will include diagnostic approaches, treatment pathways and emerging research opportunities.

The session is the third to be organised by The Kennel Club, with the VCS, following an introductory webinar and a talk on acquired heart disease. Dr Linney's webinar consists of a one-hour presentation, followed by a 30-minute question and answer session.

Dr Linney said: "This webinar will be an opportunity to deepen understanding - not just of the diseases themselves, but of how breeders, vets and owners can work together to support affected dogs and improve outcomes for future generations."

Click here to register for the webinar.