Press releases

Foot-and-mouth disease protein discovered that stops host cell defences

Posted: 27 February, 2018

Scientists at The Pirbright Institute have collaborated with the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology and other research institutes* to uncover a new system used by the foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) to prevent antiviral signalling of infected cells. The discovery could allow scientists to detect animals that have been infected with FMDV and distinguish them from those that have been vaccinated.

Pirbright helps demonstrate the UK remains free from bluetongue virus

Posted: 2 February, 2018

Scientists at The Pirbright Institute have played a key role in providing assurance that the UK remains free from bluetongue following the positive test results of four cattle which had moved from France into the north of England and Scotland in October 2017 without sufficient vaccination proof.

New technique to reduce number of poultry vaccines per bird

Posted: 22 January, 2018

Researchers at The Pirbright Institute have developed a new method of genetically modifying the Marek’s disease vaccine so it is also able to protect against other destructive poultry viruses such as infectious bursal disease (IBD), avian influenza or Newcastle disease.

New chicken immune cell increases susceptibility to Marek’s disease

Posted: 3 January, 2018

Scientists at The Pirbright Institute have identified a new type of immune cell in chickens that is involved in the development of Marek’s disease.

Marek’s disease virus (MDV) is highly contagious and causes a deadly cancer of the lymph nodes (lymphoma) and immunosuppression in poultry. The virus’s ability to supress immune responses of birds is one of the reasons MDV is such a major threat to the poultry industry, as it prevents recovery and makes birds susceptible to secondary infections.

BBSRC National Vaccinology Centre at Pirbright scoops top design award

Posted: 16 November, 2017

A brand new laboratory at The Pirbright Institute, opened earlier this year by HRH The Princess Royal, has scooped a prestigious design award at the Guildford Design Awards 2017. The awards, which take place every two years, were established in 1987 to celebrate well-designed, innovative architectural and environmental projects that contribute to the quality and sustainability of our surroundings.

Pirbright supports eradication campaign of livestock virus

Posted: 31 October, 2017

In the last 15 years there has been a concerning increase in the spread of the livestock viral disease, peste des petits ruminants (PPR).

Genetically altered African swine fever virus shows promise as a vaccine

Posted: 12 October, 2017

Scientists at The Pirbright Institute have found that deleting a gene of the African swine fever virus (ASFV), a severe and often fatal disease of pigs, reduces its ability to cause infection and protects against a strain of the virus that causes severe disease.

Pirbright awarded £2,359,553 grant for vaccine work on Nipah virus

Posted: 17 August, 2017

A £2,359,553 grant has been awarded by Innovate UK to The Pirbright Institute’s Dr Simon Graham to lead an international team developing an inexpensive, safe and effective vaccine to protect pigs against Nipah virus (NiV).

New study shows early detection of foot-and-mouth disease could help limit culling

Posted: 28 June, 2017

Pre-clinical diagnosis could be key to helping control the transmission of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) in the event of an outbreak, a new study from scientists at The Pirbright Institute and Wageningen Bioveterinary Research has concluded.

Chicken immune system could hold key to protect poultry and humans from viruses

Posted: 13 June, 2017

Newly discovered components of the chicken innate immune system suggest poultry may be better equipped to fight viruses than scientists previously thought.

Researchers from The Pirbright Institute investigating chicken immunology, have discovered a previously unknown interferon (antiviral molecule), which they identified as IFN Kappa (IFN-K). The chicken’s innate immune system is generally not well understood and Pirbright scientists have now used this new component to understand its particular function in helping chickens combat viruses.

Press releases

Foot-and-mouth disease protein discovered that stops host cell defences

Pirbright helps demonstrate the UK remains free from bluetongue virus

New technique to reduce number of poultry vaccines per bird

New chicken immune cell increases susceptibility to Marek’s disease

BBSRC National Vaccinology Centre at Pirbright scoops top design award

Pirbright supports eradication campaign of livestock virus

Genetically altered African swine fever virus shows promise as a vaccine

Pirbright awarded £2,359,553 grant for vaccine work on Nipah virus

New study shows early detection of foot-and-mouth disease could help limit culling

Chicken immune system could hold key to protect poultry and humans from viruses

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Pirbright secures significant BBSRC investment to advance world-class research

Professor Bryan Charleston elected as Fellow of the Royal Society

Professor Melanie Welham officially opens The Biggs Avian Research Building at The Pirbright Institute in Surrey

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