News
Genetic engineering speeds up poultry vaccine development
Scientists at The Pirbright Institute have used genetic engineering to develop a vaccine that protects birds against both Marek’s disease and avian influenza. They say the process is faster and more efficient compared to previous methods, which will allow poultry vaccine producers to rapidly update vaccine strains in order to keep up with virus evolution. […]
Study uncovers replication sites of Porcine deltacoronavirus
A study carried out at The Pirbright Institute has identified the sites within the cell where Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) makes new copies of itself during replication. Using electron microscopy, researchers demonstrated that the virus creates replication organelles that are similar to other coronaviruses. Identified in 2012, PDCoV is an emerging Deltacoronavirus that infects pigs and […]
Modified BCG vaccine is compatible with a novel DIVA skin test
Scientists at the University of Surrey have developed a novel vaccine and complementary skin test to protect cattle against bovine tuberculosis. Publishing their findings in Scientific Reports, the researchers reveal they have created a vaccine that is compatible with a synthetic form of the tuberculin skin test (PPD). The BCG vaccine, which is currently used […]
Emerging tickborne parasite detected in UK sheep
Scientists have detected Babesia venatorum within sheep in the North of Scotland. The research, by scientists at the University of Glasgow’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, is published in Emerging Infectious Diseases. The study reports that this is the first time B. venatorum has been identified in […]
Early detection is key to controlling spread of African swine fever in Europe
Improved surveillance, communication and collaboration are key to controlling the spread of African swine fever in Europe, according to a risk assessment carried out by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The assessment estimates the potential for the disease to spread across south-eastern Europe. It was requested by the European Commission to support efforts to […]
Rift Valley fever vaccine found to be safe in pregnant animals
Researchers have shown that a simian adenovirus vectored vaccine, ChAdOx1 RVF, is effective at protecting pregnant sheep and goats from Rift Valley fever (RVF). They report their findings in npj Vaccines. Infection of livestock with Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) results in high mortality and poor outcomes during pregnancy, including stillbirths, fetal malformations and abortions. […]
Study of chicken gut cells may aid vaccine design
The colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) has been shown to be expressed in the follicle-associated epithelium cells in the avian gut-associated lymphoid tissue. This was an unexpected finding as CSF1R is typically expressed in macrophages, not in epithelial cells. The results in studies with chicken cells pave the way for research looking to enhance the […]
Staphylococcal persistence studied in a chronically infected dairy cow
In a study at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, an international team of researchers led by Tom Grunert investigated the adaptation of Staphylococcus aureus within the host animal over the course of three months in a naturally infected dairy cow with chronic, subclinical mastitis. The analysis of the bacterial genomes revealed a complete replacement […]
Structure of the goat leukocyte receptor complex described
Genetic research conducted by scientists at The Pirbright Institute has revealed that goat and sheep genes for specific immune cell receptors are extremely diverse and different compared to other livestock relatives. The findings will help scientists to understand how genetic characteristics can alter an animal’s natural ability to fight infection, and potentially inform the breeding […]
State of the art report 2019
The Annual state-of-the-art report on animal health research on IRC priorities is published and available on Reports section of this web site under IRC. The aim of this report is to provide STAR-IDAZ IRC members, as well as other animal health stakeholders, with an overview of the existing opportunities for speeding up research and to […]