(UK) Lab to study animal-borne diseases

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A national research laboratory dedicated to the study of animal diseases which spread to humans is being opened.

Scientists will study bird flu, the Sars virus and rabies at the ?1.68 million National Centre for Zoonosis Research.

The centre, part of the University of Liverpool, will examine how the deadly diseases which originate in animals can jump species and infect humans.

Professor Malcolm Bennett, veterinary pathologist and co-director of the centre, said: "Diseases such as Sars and avian flu are examples of new and emerging zoonotic diseases that hit the headlines, but around two-thirds of all human infections are transmitted from animals, and some of these can be very serious.

"Rabies, for example, still kills more than 50,000 people every year, mainly in developing countries, while, closer to home, most cases of food poisoning are also caused by zoonoses."

The centre, in Neston, Cheshire, will be opened by former politician Lord David Owen, Chancellor of the University of Liverpool, and Lord Lawson Soulsby, former president of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

http://ukpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5gUW1cWhpBHY8mB8w0GUzzP2chuog

 

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Re: (UK) Lab to study animal-borne diseases

National centre for zoonosis research centre opens

News | 28 December, 2007

What is claimed to be the world?s first multi-disciplinary zoonosis research centre has been officially opened at Liverpool University?s veterinary field station at Leahurst, near Ness, Wirral.


The National Centre for Zoonosis Research, was officially opened by Lord David Owen, chancellor of Liverpool University and Lord Lawson Soulsby, a former president of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Funded by the North West Regional Development Agency (NWDA), the centre is a collaboration between the University of Liverpool, the University of Lancaster, the Health Protection Agency (HPA), and the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA). The centre has deliberately drawn its co-directors from both the veterinary and medical fields.

Prof Malcolm Bennett, head of veterinary pathology at Liverpool vet school and co-director of the centre, said: ?Diseases such as SARS and avian flu are examples of new and emerging zoonotic diseases that hit the headlines, but around two-thirds of all human infections are transmitted from animals, and some of these can be very serious.
?Rabies, for example, still kills more than 50,000 people every year, mainly in developing countries, while closer to home, most cases of food poisoning are also caused by zoonoses.?



While many people associate zoonoses with wild or farm animals, pets can also be sources of human infections, sometimes even with fatal consequences. Equally, however, human beings can sometimes be the source of animal infections, he said.

Co-director, Dr Chris Parry, a Liverpool University medical microbiologist, said: ?Antibiotic resistance is a problem in many zoonotic bacteria, and this complicates the treatment of patients.

?The centre brings together scientists with different backgrounds in order to tackle not just theoretical issues but very practical problems in disease control and management.?
Dr George Baxter, NWDA?s director of science and innovation, said: ?Through the expertise of the University of Liverpool, this new centre will help ensure that the region remains a leader in scientific innovation and significantly advance the North West?s research base.?

http://www.farmersguardian.com/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=15333