News from March 2022

Pirbright scientists recently developed a potential bird flu vaccine that offered better protection to chickens. This vaccine was easier and less costly to produce than traditional flu vaccines. Researchers at the Institute have now discovered even more benefits from this vaccine which potentially…

Research by Pirbright scientists reveals that the chicken immune response to Marek’s disease virus (MDV) differs depending on the genetic makeup of infected birds, with some chickens being more resistant to disease than others. MDV is a highly contagious virus that affects the poultry immune system…

Dr Melanie Nicholls is a postdoctoral scientist at The Pirbright Institute working in the Philip Mellor Insectary (PMI), a specialist science facility which houses exotic and endemic (native to the UK) insects for use in research on vector-borne viruses. Six bio secure laboratories are used to rear…

Researchers from The Pirbright Institute working to improve vaccines for infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) have identified targets in the virus’s genetic code that could make vaccines safer. Better vaccines would have a huge impact on improving health and welfare of poultry and protect food security…

Last week The Pirbright Institute was back on the road, sharing our science with the public and inspiring potential scientists of the future at the Festival of Tomorrow in Swindon. Bug Busters LEGO mosquito builder The two-day event celebrated the wonders of science and technology and aimed to share…