Award details

Transmission and Epidemiology

Reference	BBS/E/I/00007036
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Dr Simon Gubbins
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors	Dr Luke Alphey, Dr Carrie Batten, Dr Philippa Beard, Dr Simon Carpenter, Dr Karin Darpel, Dr Isabelle Dietrich, Dr Linda Dixon, Professor Munir Iqbal, Dr Donald King, Dr Nicholas Lyons, Professor Venugopal Nair, Dr Christopher Netherton, Professor Satya Parida, Dr Paolo Ribeca, Dr Holly Shelton, Professor Elma Tchilian, Dr Yongxiu Yao
Institution	The Pirbright Institute
Department	The Pirbright Institute Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	3,514,954
Status	Current
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/04/2017
End date	31/03/2023
Duration	59 months

Abstract

The Pirbright Institute provides the UK with capacity to predict, detect, understand and respond to incursions of viral pathogens of livestock and viruses that spread from animals to humans. Pirbright represents a hub of world class facilities and expertise for the study of exotic and endemic viral diseases in the natural host, therefore enabling our research to be directly translated into future control measures. Understanding the spread of viruses is central to the development of effective control measures. To study viral transmission at multiple scales, we will use a combination of transmission experiments, field studies and mathematical modelling. Challenge experiments will be carried out primarily in target species to quantify the probability of transmission and to dissect how transmission is influenced by the host (e.g. immune parameters) viral factors (e.g. strains) and the environment. This work will be closely linked to other projects/expertise at Pirbright and will use the unique high containment facilities at Pirbright for the experimental infection of target species with pathogenic viruses. Field studies will be carried out in endemic settings to generate basic epidemiological data, while observational and intervention studies will evaluate vaccination and other control measures in the field. This part of the work will be closely linked to the relevant reference laboratories and will be made possible by Pirbright’s extensive network of collaborators around the world. Finally, mathematical modelling will be used to analyse transmission at each scale and to link the different scales, as well as to identify specific barriers to control and eradication. The ability of this programme to link data from different scales (from within individual animals to global surveillance) is an example of how strategic funding can be used to maximise the impact of otherwise separate projects. Transmission experiments (with for example swine and avian influenza viruses) offer clear opportunities to undertake studies that are not possible with related human viruses and will provide insights that advance the broader field of virology. Anticipated outcomes of this project are: definition of transmission parameters of viral diseases at multiple scales and the consequences for disease control; strategies to ensure rapid detection of viruses to facilitate disease control; expert advice to the UK on the spread and control of viral diseases (in particular, foot-and-mouth disease and bluetongue) and to the European Commission; engagement with vaccine manufacturers on design and assessment of vaccination programmes; accurate disease intelligence for the livestock industry.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Not funded via Committee
Research Topics	Animal Health, Microbiology
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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