Annex 3
BBSRC RESEARCH PORTFOLIOS—HIGHLIGHTS
BBSRC "Combating Avian Influenza" Initiative
BBSRC has committed £4.5 million for its
"Combating Avian Influenza" Initiative. The aim of the
initiative is to enhance understanding of the virology, pathology,
host-pathogen interactions and epidemiology of avian influenza
in its animal hosts, with a view to generating the underpinning
scientific knowledge that will enable the development of more
effective methods for its control.
BBSRC has also recently launched a collaboration
with China relating to research on the transmission of the avian
influenza virus. Activities have included workshops between IAH,
the Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Microbiology and
the Harbin Veterinary Research Institute. Further priorities include
exchange of reagents and information; reciprocal access to laboratory
containment facilities and exchange of researchers. Priorities
for the joint activity include studies on virus pathogenicity,
host-range restriction, identification of protective epitopes
and development and assessment of novel vaccines.
"Coordination of European Research on Emerging
and Major Infectious Diseases of Livestock" (ERA Net EMIDA)
BBSRC is also to be a part of an ERA net likely
to be funded and start later this year; "Coordination of
European Research on Emerging and Major Infectious Diseases of
Livestock" (ERA Net EMIDA). This is led by Defra, and both
BBSRC and Scottish Government are involved. "The scope of
the project will include emerging and major infectious diseases
of production animals, including fish and bees and including those
conditions which pose a threat to human health but excluding food
safety issues relating to the handling of livestock products and
diseases of wildlife except where they act as reservoirs of infection
for humans or production animals." There are four work packages:
— WP1. Project coordination, management,
communication and dissemination.
— WP2. Mapping and analysis of existing
research and current needs and information on the commissioning
and management of joint programmes.
— WP3. Develop, test, evaluate and
refine instruments (Pilots).
— WP4. Developing a strategic trans-national
animal health research agenda.
Sustainable Agriculture Research for International
Development
BBSRC is now developing proposals with DfID
and others, for funding of a future joint programme in Sustainable
Agriculture Research for International Development to support
high-quality basic and strategic research including on research
on Animal Health, with an anticipated final overall budget of
more than £8 million. This proposed animal health call is
expected to include a possible focus on zoonoses.
Institute for Animal Health redevelopment
In conjunction with the Department for Environment,
Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), BBSRC is investing £120 million
in upgrading the IAH Pirbright facility. These plans will also
build upon the Detection and Identification of Infectious Diseases
Foresight Programme.
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