News from May 2013

Pirbright scientist recognised for contribution to foot-and-mouth disease virus research

Posted: 29 May, 2013

The AVTRW (Association for Veterinary Teaching and Research Work) recognises excellence in both veterinary teaching and in veterinary research by presenting awards to individuals who have made significant contributions to those fields. This year the Selbourne Award for contribution to research was presented to Dr Bryan Charleston of The Pirbright Institute in recognition of his outstanding work on foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).

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H7N9: a novel Influenza virus

Posted: 7 May, 2013

In the space of just a month, a novel influenza virus originating in birds has infected 129 people in China and killed 20% of those infected. Patients infected with this H7N9 subtype virus have demonstrated severe respiratory problems and required intensive medical care. So far there has been no evidence of the virus being able to pass from human to human and infection of people has only occurred from direct contact with birds, most likely poultry, in the large wet markets of China where live birds are sold for meat.