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Defra to launch global animal disease project

FARMERS GUARDIAN
10 May 2011 | By Alistair Driver

DEFRA has launched an international global research project that it says will ensure the UK is better protected against animal diseases like avian flu and foot-and-mouth.

Defra is leading an international network, funded by the EU, linking thousands of scientists across the world. It will allow them to exchange research, establish common goals and collaborate on developing future control measures, the Department said.

Defra said the project would also underpin early warning systems by making it easier to detect emerging disease in foreign countries that could pose a risk to the UK farming industry.

Defra cited avian flu, new strains of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV), which are circulating in China, and African Swine Fever, which has spread from Africa to Russia as examples of major diseases currently presenting cause for concern.

Ahead of the network’s launch tomorrow (Wednesday, May 10), Farming Minister Jim Paice said: “In this modern age of globalised trade and travel the risk of animal disease entering the UK is greater than ever.

“We already have comprehensive international surveillance and outbreak plans, but we must prepare for the challenges in five, 10 and 15 years’ time.

“Countries acting on their own just don’t have the resources to research every disease, all of the time, so sharing resources like this will get us maximum protection and value for money.”

The €1million network will include Canada, USA, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, China, India, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Italy, Germany, France, Spain, Denmark and the UK.

A key aim of the project will be to share information and improve knowledge on animal diseases that affect human health.

It is estimated that 75 per cent of emerging animal diseases can be transmitted to humans, often from wildlife via livestock. One example is nipah virus infection, which has been found in people in Malaysia and traced back to pigs catching the virus from the droppings of bats in palm trees.

The network, which also involves the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), will also help to develop control measures for current disease problems, such as bovine TB or drug resistant parasites.

Defra said the global network would help improve the health and productivity of UK animals through hastening the development of improved control methods for existing diseases.

UK Chief Veterinary Officer Nigel Gibbens said: “Global coordination of our animal disease research efforts will help ensure that new technologies, such as diagnostic tools, vaccines and new treatments, are identified and put to work as quickly as possible to make a real difference to the health, welfare and productivity of livestock.”

Defra is already leading on a similar EU network where member states work towards a common research agenda using share funding instead. So far it has initiated 12 research projects worth €21million – €3.9million of which was contributed by the UK.

One project, for example, is on Marek’s Disease, a major threat to the global poultry industry. There are currently three groups working on this disease across Europe, but the global network will combine this expertise with groups in the US, China and Australia to pool knowledge.

The UK cattle industry is establishing a similar network with counterparts across Europe to avoid duplication of industry-funded research, and is working to link up with the Defra-led network.

 

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