This is a laboratory-based course that is designed for technicians who work within a diagnostic laboratory handling peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) and are responsible for implementing and validating diagnostic techniques. This course is not suitable for research or group leaders. The course focuses on transboundary disease diagnostic techniques comprising serological, molecular and virological assays and related quality assurance. Applicants should have an understanding of virology and related methodologies.
What you need to know
Cost: The tuition fee for the course is £1,000. Once a place on the course has been confirmed, delegates will be required to pay a deposit of £500. Please note, we will only consider refunding this deposit upon proof of inability to attend the course due to ill health or visa denial - official documentation will be required (e.g. doctor's letter, Home Office communication etc).
Duration: The course will run for 1 week: Dates TBC
Accommodation: Please note that Institute accommodation may not be offered during the current COVID-19 pandemic. The Pirbright Institute has access to basic accommodation in shared houses at an additional cost of £30 per night (excluding food). The number of rooms is however limited, and availability is on a first come first served basis and cannot therefore be guaranteed. The alternative is for course delegates to use local Bed & Breakfast accommodation which we can help to organise.
Biosecurity: The laboratory operates at BSL3 containment level and delegates will be expected to adhere to tight biosecurity regulations, including a strict three-day quarantine period and a shower upon exiting the laboratories daily. Further information will be provided.
Application deadline: TBC (please note that places will be limited).
Course pre requisites
Participants requiring a visa to enter the UK will need a standard visitor visa.
Learning objectives
Course description
Topics to be discussed include:
Virus isolation – PPRV: Isolation of PPRV on cell culture.
Diagnostic tests – PPRV: PPRV Antibody detection ELISA; Serum neutralisation test; Manual nucleic acid extraction; Real-time RT-PCR; F gene RT-PCR; F gene nucleotide sequencing and lineage determination.
Course material (USB stick and/or on-line) containing seminars and standard operating procedures will be provided at the end of the course.
About the trainers
The training course will be hosted by the Non-Vesicular Reference Laboratories (NVRL), led by Dr Carrie Batten.
The OIE, FAO and national reference laboratories for PPRV form a part of the NVRL at Pirbright.
The Pirbright Institute was heavily involved in the global eradication of rinderpest virus (RPV) and has used this experience to build a strong research programme into PPRV. The OIE expert for PPRV, Dr Michael Baron, and other research leaders will present their most current findings and discuss the implications for disease control.
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How to apply
To apply please email your completed Application form to external.training@pirbright.ac.uk.