UK projects receive funding of £4 million

Seven research projects have received a total of £4 million funding to help improve the health of farmed animals in the UK.

The funded projects include work to tackle costly livestock diseases, create new vaccines, examine immune system reactions and breed healthier animals.

Funding has been awarded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council's (BBSRC) Animal Health Research Club (ARC).

These grants represent the first of two rounds of funding from the ARC, which is to offer £9.5 million in total to UK research projects.

The first funded projects will take place over the next three years at a range of key institutions in the UK, including the Roslin Institute, the Royal Veterinary College, Scotland's Rural College and the Pirbright Institute.

One of the seven studies looks to identify proteins which scientists believe may protect against avian influenza, while another aims to develop genomic predictors of bovine TB infection, which could be used to breed resistant cattle.

Dr Celia Caulcott, director at BBSRC, says: "Livestock diseases cost UK farmers and the wider economy millions of pounds a year, pose welfare problems for farmed animals and negatively affect food security.

"By funding studies that take a broad look at some of the most prevalent and costly livestock diseases, the Animal Health Research Club will be able to deliver results to benefit farmers, animals and consumers."

Applications for the round of ARC funding will open on October 18, 2013, closing on December 11.