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Pirbright awarded funding to tackle Asian diseases
The pig disease research will focus on viruses caused by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) and swine influenza A.

Research to improve livestock welfare and economic production

More than £1million of funding has been awarded to The Pirbright Institute to tackle major viral diseases that threaten livestock populations in Asia.

The money, awarded by BBSRC-Newton fund, will fund research into two poultry and two pig diseases that have a detrimental impact both on animal welfare and the local economy.

Led by Dr Elma Tchilian, the pig disease research will focus on viruses caused by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) and swine influenza A. Working with colleagues in Thailand, Dr Tchilian hopes to introduce a vaccine strategy that will benefit both animal welfare and the livelihoods of farmers.

The poultry study will be led by Dr Yongxiu Yao and Professor Munir Iqbal who will assess the diseases caused by avian leukosis virus and avian influenza viruses.

Dr Yongxiu Yao’s team will build on links with Chinese institutes through Newton Funded UK-China Centre of Excellence for Research on Avian Diseases (UK-China CERAD) to share expertise and develop strategies for controlling avian leukosis virus.

Professor Munir Iqbal will steer work to offer information about how avian influenza viruses that plague the poultry production systems of China are able to evade current vaccines and what increases the risk of human transmission.

The ultimate aim of the three projects is to improve livestock welfare and economic production, helping to ensure global food security. 

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.