Animal production and health directly affect global food supply and security.

Research to improve animal health and well-being

A collaboration between research institutions in the United Kingdom and the United States will address high impact diseases and animal health issues relevant to both countries.

The partnership will include five jointly-funded research awards that total £2.3 million from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and $2.3 million from the U.S Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

"A growing world population means that safe and secure food supplies are going to become more and more important in the years to come," said Steve Visscher, BBSRC deputy chief executive. "The scale of such challenges require increased international collaboration, and this partnership of co-investment between BBSRC and NIFA will allow world-leading researchers in both countries to work together to combat livestock diseases and safeguard food supplies."

NIFA director Sonny Ramaswamy added: "As a leading livestock producing nation, the health of the people in the United States and around the world depends on the safety, security and quality of the livestock we produce. These grants enable an international research partnership that looks to control the spread of pathogens, ensuring we can effectively reduce the health risks and environmental impacts of food production worldwide."

Animal production and health directly affect global food supply and security. Not only do they play an important role in the economy, but also in the sustainability and growth of agriculture throughout the world. 

Research funded through the programme will examine the biological and physiological mechanisms in relation to disease prevention in ruminants, swine, poultry, equine and aquaculture species.  Specifically, the projects will address the development of immune reagents, breeding for genetic resistance to disease, studying the ecology of diseases spread by vector insects, and developing improved vaccines.

The discoveries made through the projects will enhance production efficiency, improve animal health and well-being, and support the safety of animal products by addressing challenges facing animal agriculture.