We are urgently developing research requirements with other European laboratories to make sure we understand and the disease (Schmallenberg) better.IAH to focus on ‘world class’ Pirbright redevelopment
THE Institute of Animal Health (IAH) is to close its Compton site, near Newbury, as it seeks to turn its Pirbright laboratory into a ‘world leading’ animal health research facility.
The Government and IAH owners, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), recently announced £100m of funding to redevelop the Pirbright Laboratory.
The new laboratory complex at IAH Pirbright will be completed in 2013. Announcing a new strategy linked to that funding, IAH has revealed it will accelerate the move of virus research currently at its Compton to Pirbright with aim of completing the process by 2013 at the latest.
Research on bacteria and parasites of animals currently conducted at IAH Compton will no longer be pursued by the Institute. Once the virology research has transferred and current bacteriology and parasitology projects have completed by spring 2013, it is intended that the Compton site will close.
The move would combine virus research at Compton, on diseases such as avian flu and Marek’s disease, with established research at Pirbright on diseases such as bluetongue, foot-and-mouth disease and African horse sickness.
IAH said this would make it better placed to enhance its position as ‘a national UK centre of excellence’ in tackling diseases in cattle, poultry, sheep and pigs that ‘threaten the UK’s economy and wellbeing’.
IAH director Professor Martin Shirley said: “Animal diseases threaten the economy, UK agriculture and present increasing concerns to human health, if viruses are able to jump species, like swine flu.
“IAH is a world- class institute and our new science strategy, together with the recently announced funding for the redevelopment of Pirbright, means we are well placed to be the UK hub for tackling current and emerging animal health challenges.”
Professor Douglas Kell, BBSRC chief executive, said: “The new facilities at Pirbright and the new, focused science strategy mean that IAH will be the partner of choice for public, private and academic researchers.
“IAH will be at the national centre of a hub of animal health research which will deliver international quality science alongside the ability to help defend the UK from viral animal disease.”
Readers' comments (1)
Richard Micklethwait | 13 September 2009 10:27 am
What is the point of developing research facilities if farmers are not paid enough to grow food and make decent liviing.
Withpoliticans urging farmers to diversify and the average age of farmers being 58 the politicans know this perfectly well but then spend money on assistance to farmers that will not be used.
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