IAH Welcomes Investment

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the Institute for Animal Health (IAH) have welcomed the recent announcement by the Government of over £100million investment by the

Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) in the redevelopment of the UK’s world leading animal disease research laboratories at Pirbright in Surrey.

Professor Douglas Kell, BBSRC’s Chief Executive, said: “This new funding is a major boost for animal health research in the UK and great news for the UK scientific community. This redevelopment at Pirbright will strengthen our strategic capability to protect UK livestock and other animals – including people – from devastating diseases.”

The Government’s decision follows  extensive reviews of the UK’s needs for animal health research to help ensure animal welfare and contribute to global food security. The redevelopment at Pirbright will enable implementation of recommendations arising from the Anderson (http://archive.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/fmdreview/documents/fmd_2007_review_full.pdf) and Beringer (http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/organisation/policies/reviews/operational/0804_iah_governan ce.html) reviews.

Professor Martin Shirley, IAH’s Director, said: “I am absolutely delighted by this news. It is a clear vote of confidence in the world class science carried out at IAH and recognises the increasing threats posed by animal diseases such as foot and mouth, bluetongue, and African swine fever, which could cause massive economic and social damage.”

An independent report by consultants DTZ  estimated that IAH work on Bluetongue virus potentially saved the UK economy £485million and 10,000 jobs in 2008 alone.