Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 20th December 2023
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Data hub launched for vector-borne diseases
The project will be led by Imperial College London.
Project receives £1.5m in Government funding.

A new data hub has been created to help UK researchers and policymakers monitor and respond to vector-borne diseases.

The One Health Vector-Borne Diseases Hub will centralise data, making it easier to access and disseminate. The project will also aim to create networks to help researchers more easily share their findings with the relevant people.

With disease-carrying species expected to expand their habitats into temperate regions in the coming years, it is hoped the hub will make it easier to track the spread of diseases, forecast disease risk, and mitigate the impact on human and animal health.

The project has received £1.5m funding from Defra and UK Research and Innovation. It will be led by Imperial College London, alongside the University of Liverpool, the Pirbright Institute, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the UK Centre of Hydrology and Ecology are also involved in the project.

The first phase of the project will build the infrastructure needed to allow researchers to access and share data that is currently stored in separate data silos.

The second phase will aim to develop relationships between scientists and policymakers, adopting a One Health approach to help medical and veterinary researchers share data and discoveries. A new web platform is planned to aid communication, along with training sessions and events.

Principal investigator for the hub Dr Lauren Cator said: “To respond to vector-borne diseases we need to be able to rapidly share data and expertise about humans, animals, the vector species which transmit pathogens between them, and the environment.

“This project will provide new ways for the UK community to share data and support the development of new networks for using that data to tackle this emerging challenge. We are well-positioned to prepare ourselves for a future spillover or emergence event.”

Image © Shutterstock

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Vetlife nominated for campaign award

News Story 1
 Vetlife has been shortlisted for the Association of Charity Organisations (ACO) Campaign of the Year Award 2024.

The nomination recognises its campaigning to raise awareness of neurodiversity within the profession and produce resources for individuals and workplaces. Vetlife's campaign has included talks, lived experience blogs, and an awareness video.

Kirstie Pickles, Vetlife trustee and project lead, said: "I am thrilled and delighted that the Vetlife neurodiversity awareness campaign has been shortlisted for the ACO Campaign of the Year Award 2024"

The winner will be announced 12 September 2024. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Northern Ireland chief vet warns of bluetongue risk

Following the detection of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in England, Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant and source animals responsibly.

Brian Dooher said: "This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland.Whilst this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

"I would like to remind all farmers of the importance of sourcing animals responsibly and ask that they maintain vigilance for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to DAERA immediately."

Suspected cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.