A new European research centre, combining veterinarians, scientists and technical specialists within a coordinating hub, has been established in Edinburgh to identify emerging diseases in livestock and companion animals and enhance the ability to control them.
The new centre of excellence is a collaboration between Edinburgh’s Easter Bush Research Consortium (EBRC) and the global animal health company, Zoetis.
It brings together expertise in pathology, rapid genetic sequencing and molecular biology from University of Edinburgh’s Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies; laboratory diagnostic and surveillance expertise from Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC); and high contaminant level laboratories and expertise in infectious diseases from the Moredun Research Institute, all integrated with the research and development and infectious disease capabilities of Zoetis.
“Zoetis is committed to supporting the veterinary community with research to better understand emerging infectious diseases,” said the company’s senior vice president, Michelle Haven.
“Enhanced surveillance to identify these threats early makes it possible to speed the development of high quality, effective medicines and vaccines to help control these diseases. By working together, we can advance unique solutions to the evolving and complex threats of emerging infectious diseases in Europe.”