BBSRC to fund new veterinary vaccinology network
New, exotic and re-emerging diseases have highlighted the need to re-think the current methods for developing vaccines.
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) is funding a new network of veterinary vaccinology experts to help in the fight against animal diseases - some of which have the potential to spread to humans.
The UK Veterinary Vaccinology Network (VVN) will bring together major UK researchers to enhance the uptake of new technologies in order to design, develop and deliver safe and effective vaccines for the next-generation.
Vaccines are a cost-effective way of preventing and eradicating disease. They are also an important tool in the war against infectious diseases. With around 60 per cent of animal diseases having the potential to cause human infections, vaccines protect public health as well as enhance animal welfare.
While many vaccination campaigns have been successful - such as the eradication of rinderpest - the BBSRC say that new, exotic and re-emerging diseases have highlighted the need to re-think the current methods for developing vaccines.
Building on the UK strength in veterinary science, advances in biotechnology, and the biological revolution new technologies, the BBSRC say that there are opportunities for researchers to create new veterinary vaccines and increase efficient development pathways for them.
Network co-ordinator, Dr Bryan Charleston, said : "There is huge potential to improve animal welfare, human health, and the economic performance of the UK livestock industries by developing new vaccines for widespread infectious diseases caused by parasites, bacteria and viruses. The network will facilitate and promote coordination of research in this important field to generate the scientific knowledge and discoveries needed for a step change in veterinary vaccinology."
With the livestock industry estimated to have an annual value of over £14 billion in 2013, the BBSRC say that the research will have direct benefits for the UK economy.
The network includes experts from the AHVLA, Cambridge Veterinary School, Edinburgh University, Global Alliance for Livestock Veterinary Medicines, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Moredun Research Institute, Oxford University, The Pirbright Institute, The Roslin Institute, The Royal Veterinary College and the University of Stirling.
The network has funding for five years. The researchers will report to BBSRC and provide input into developing the future research agenda.
For more information visit www.bbsrc.ac.uk
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
