The Pirbright Institute

The Pirbright Institute

We are a world-leading centre of excellence in the research and surveillance of viral diseases of livestock and viruses that spread from animals to humans.

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Protecting the UK

Our facilities provide a National Capability and are unique within the UK with a complement of scientific expertise and physical resources.

National Capability

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Controlling bluetongue virus

With a Restricted Zone in place in England, our Reference Laboratories are ramping up bluetongue virus (BTV) testing to protect livestock and minimise economic impacts.

Bluetongue virus testing

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Ourscience

Our innovative fundamental and applied bioscience contributes to global food security and health, improving quality of life for animals and people.

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Engage with us

Collaborate with us to access our facilities and explore our training courses delivered by our experts in science, engineering and biosafety.

Engage with us

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Facilities and resources

Discover our specialist science facilities, including unique high-containment laboratories, advanced technology platforms, and access our services and products like diagnostic testing.

Facilities and resources

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Latest news

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A group of 17 white goats with black patches. Some are lying down, some are standing. On the right are three people in green scrubs holding clipboards and bottled water. A small tree trunk separates the goats and people. Above are the leaves of a tree

04 April 2025

Field study reveals the best way of sampling for foot-and-mouth disease in endemic settings

Scientists from The Pirbright Institute have led a longitudinal study of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in collaboration with the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) in Northern Nigeria. The project investigated the role that small ruminants and contaminated environments have on the…

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03 April 2025

Sustainability takes centre stage at inaugural UK Lab Management Biosciences Conference

The inaugural UK Lab Management Biosciences Conference took place on Thursday 20 March 2025, at the Mandolay Hotel in Guildford, Surrey. Organised by colleagues from The Pirbright Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, this event brought together laboratory managers and…

Large herd of white cattle in Ghana stood in a line in front of a watering hole. At the other side of the watering hole are more cattle in the water.

17 March 2025

Study reveals financial losses for dairy farmers in Thailand due to lumpy skin disease

A new study by Pirbright scientists and researchers from the Chiang Mai University in Thailand highlights the negative financial impact of lumpy skin disease (LSD) on farmers in northern Thailand. The research, published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, revealed that affected farms faced losses…

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Preventing and controlling viral diseases

Viruses we study

Our research focuses on viruses that are potentially devastating for the economy, food security and the wellbeing of animals and humans.

Explore the viruses we study

Transmission electron microscope image shows SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Crown-like spikes on the outer edge of the virus particles give coronaviruses their name.

Latest research

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Longitudinal study of foot-and-mouth disease virus in Northern Nigeria: implications for the roles of small ruminants and environmental contamination in endemic settings

Gubbins S, Brown E, Wungak Y, Oyekan O, Adedeji AJ, Ijoma SI, Atai RB, Oguche MO, Samson M, Dogonyaro BB, Rosso F, Hicks H, Wood BA, Wadsworth J, Knowles N, King DP, Ludi AB, Colenutt C, Shaw AE, Limon G, Ehizibolo DO.

Data note on the Avian Contact Study: a questionnaire resource for avian influenza public health planning

Thomas AC, Gokool S, Clapp G, Whitlow H, McGrath C, Moore P, Helwegen M, Logunleko M, Bueno I, Bailey M, Masterton S, Taylor-Egbeyemi J, Brown I, Puleston R, Pae R, Smith LE, Lambton S, Brooks-Pollock E.

Population Structure of the Invasive Asian Tiger Mosquito, Aedes albopictus, in Europe

Corley MK, Cosme LV, Armbruster PA, Beebe N, Bega A, Boyer S, Caputo B, Chen CH, Crawford JE, Della Torre A, Eritja R, Fontaine MC, Gill RJ, Huynh T, Kadriaj P, Maringer K, Martins AJ, Maynard A, Mukherjee S, Munstermann LE, Pichler V, Sharakhova M, Surendran SN, Urbanelli S, Velo E, Wahid I, Akiner MM, Balatsos G, Besnard G, Borg ML, Bravo-Barriga D, Bueno Marí R, Collantes F, Horvath C, Kavran M, Medialdea-Carrera R, Melillo T, Michaelakis A, Mikov O, Puggioli A, Rogozi E, Schaffner F, Hackett K, Johnson T, Wu T, Pinto J, Valadas V, Caccone A.

Mapping novel antigenic determinants on foot-and-mouth disease virus serotype Asia 1 using neutralising monoclonal antibody resistant mutants

Manikandan R, Gollapalli SK, Shreya G, Basagoudanavar S, Sreenivasa BP, Dubey S, Bhanuprakash V, Sanyal A, Mahapatra M, Parida S, Hosamani M.

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Diagnostic testing

How to request virus diagnostic services from our reference laboratories.

Train with Pirbright

Explore our training courses in science, engineering, and biosafety, and learn from leading experts.

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Careers and learning

Browse our current vacancies and explore opportunities for Fellowships, PhDs, and apprenticeships.