Science goes global to combat animal diseases

The increasingly globalised movement of animals, people and food have greatly raised the risk of animal diseases spreading to the UK – a danger which poses serious economic, environmental and health consequences for the country.

In response, Defra has announced it is to lead an international network, funded by the European Union, which will link thousands of scientists across the world and allow them to exchange research, establish common goals and collaborate on developing future controls.

Importantly, it will also underpin early-warning systems by identifying what emerging diseases are being picked up abroad.

Agriculture and Food Minister Jim Paice said: “In this modern age, 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 1m-euro, EU-funded network will include Canada, US, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, China, India, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Italy, Germany, France, Spain, Denmark and the UK.

It will be divided into three regions – the Americas, Asia and Australasia, and Europe – and surrounding countries are expected to feed in.

It is hoped an Africa region will follow.

Examples of major diseases of concern are avian influenza; 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.

It is estimated that 75 per cent of emerging animal diseases can be transmitted to humans, often from wildlife via livestock.

Research breakthrough hope

Scientists have announced that it may be possible to identify cattle infected with foot-and-mouth before they become infectious or show signs of the disease.

Research at the Institute for Animal Health (IAH) appears to have found a “window of opportunity”, and research is now continuing to see if it can be used to reduce the number of animals culled during an outbreak.

Diagnosis is said to be possible during about 24 hours before the animal becomes infectious.