News

Scientists at The Pirbright Institute are confident they have identified a safe and effective vaccination strategy for African horse sickness virus (AHSV) – the battle is now to build a business case persuasive enough to encourage a manufacturer to develop it and finally bring it to market. African…

It was a tough job, but someone had to do it and the Fox Corner Community Wildlife Association (FCCWA) were very grateful to the Institute staff who volunteered recently to clear the invasive plant threatening this greatly valued community wetland area. In yet another fantastic local outreach event…

Dr Veronica Fowler’s presentation for Soapbox Science 2016 proved a hit with the crowds on London’s Southbank with help from her PhD students - and Daisy the cow! Dozens of fascinated people gathered round Veronica’s Soapbox during the event and some brave volunteers donned biosecurity gear so they…

The influenza virus (flu) is a major health threat to humans and animals such as pigs, causing illness and major economic losses to producers and farmers. Pig flu viruses can also sometimes jump from pigs to humans and cause pandemics, as happened in 2009. There are many different strains of flu…

A study to find an alternative vaccine for rinderpest virus (RPV), which could be used in place of the traditional live virus vaccine, has concluded that there is currently no usable alternative - with implications for global preparedness. Rinderpest is one of only two viral diseases (the other…

A study by scientists at The Pirbright Institute – home to the UK, World and European Reference Laboratory for foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) - has shown that the persistence of specific viruses is related to their virulence in cell culture. African buffalo ( Syncerus caffer) are the primary…

World Veterinary Day is a globally recognised event which highlights the veterinary profession and its contribution to the health of both animals and humans. This year it takes place on Saturday 30 April and is themed 'Continuing education with a One Health focus'. Launched in 2000, World Veterinary…

The Pirbright Institute recently hosted a visit by a Brazilian trade delegation to showcase the excellence of its science, and explore the opportunities for new collaboration. The visit which included members from Brazil’s veterinary, scientific and agricultural sectors was organised as part of the…

The Pirbright Institute has signed an international partnership agreement with IZSLER, the leading Italian animal disease research body, to jointly produce cutting edge diagnostic kits for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). The new kits have been evaluated for excellent reliability and sensitivity, and…

On Saturday 12 March 2016, scientists from Pirbright headed to Innovate Guildford – a free festival of science and arts, where they showcased their research on influenza and insects. The Innovate Guildford science and arts festival is part of the Mayor of Guildford, Councillor Nikki Nelson-Smith’s…

The South Wilts Virus Group (SWVG) is a forum for virologists in the Wiltshire, Surrey, Berkshire, Oxfordshire region. It was started in 1952 at the Common Cold Unit (CCU) at Harnham Down near Salisbury (hence the name South Wilts Virus Group) as an informal gathering of scientists in the area to…

A new study of a strain of avian influenza virus, which can pose a risk to both poultry and human health, will help guide surveillance efforts and ensure vaccines are more effective; helping prevent serious outbreaks. The H9N2 virus leads to significant losses in poultry production across Asia, but…