The Pirbright Institute | Preventing and controlling viral diseases

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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

The Plowright Building

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

Latest news

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Jim Chadwick in wellies stood on long section of ground covered in brown paper. Behind him is a green field and trees in the distance

14 February 2025

Pirbright researcher wins US Passion in Science Award

A Pirbright researcher has won a prestigious US award for environmental stewardship. Jim Chadwick, a virology PhD student working at The Pirbright Institute, developed an energy efficiency project and an allotment and community garden at the Institute. Jim established his own small-scale green…

Seven rolls of tape on a shelf. One is white with infectious substance written on, one is red with biohazard written on. Other are white with "miscellaneous" and "biological" written on

06 February 2025

Biosafety approaches: applying the LOPA method to high containment facilities

The risk of unplanned hazardous scenarios, such as the uncontrolled release of pathogens, is a continuous threat to biological facilities worldwide. Commonly used risk assessment tools include a Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) or a Structured What-If Technique (SWIFT) study to identify reasonably…

Singular black and white cow on dry muddy floor. Very small nodular lesions are visible all over its skin

24 January 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…

Close up of pink pig face snoozing on straw

22 January 2025

Pirbright’s pig immunology expertise advances cystic fibrosis research

A pig model is enhancing cystic fibrosis research.

Flock of white sheep on grass. A long line of them extends into the background down a slope

20 January 2025

Pirbright shares award to make affordable anti-parasite vaccine

Scientists at the Moredun Research Institute, near Edinburgh, and The Pirbright Institute have been awarded a £1.7 million grant over three years by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop a vaccine against a life-threatening parasite of sheep and goats. The parasite, barber’s pole worm (…

Three brown and white cows with noses in hay. In front of them are seven orange chickens.

14 January 2025

Bird flu in cattle ‘not an increased threat to humans’ study shows

A study of bird flu viruses in cows shows the H5N1 strain does not pose an increased threat to humans. H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) has caused a panzootic affecting all continents except Australia, expanding its host range to several mammalian species. First detected in milk…

Cows

14 January 2025

WOAH marks 100 years of outstanding Pirbright science

The research excellence of The Pirbright Institute, which has helped to eradicate some of the world’s most damaging livestock diseases, is highlighted in a centenary review. Published to mark the founding of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) in 1924, the special edition of the…

Single large pink pig standing on hay looking at the camera

19 December 2024

Pig research paves way for human respiratory vaccine development

A study in pigs, which shows that inhaled vaccines could potentially reduce viral transmission and improve efficiency, is an important step toward advancing vaccines for human use. Interest in administering vaccines mucosally, rather than by intramuscular injections, has been growing since the SARS…

17 December 2024

Research offers hope for future African swine fever vaccine

Scientists have gained new insights into African swine fever virus (ASFV), a deadly pathogen that causes major losses in global pig farming and threatens global food security. A study, led by The Pirbright Institute and published today in mBio, uses a novel strategy to make a modified live vaccine…

flock of chickens on grass

17 December 2024

Pirbright workshop explores avian flu control

A workshop hosted by The Pirbright Institute convened world-leading experts to explore ways of reducing the impact of bird flu on livestock, poultry production and human health. Hosted at the Institute’s site in Surrey, the two-day event brought together international delegates to build…

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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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Clinical disease in British sheep infected with an emerging strain of bluetongue virus serotype 3

Newbrook K, Obishakin E, Jones LA, Waters R, Ashby M, Batten C, Sanders C

Challenges in developing a split drive targeting dsx for the genetic control of the invasive malaria vector Anopheles stephensi

Larrosa-Godall M, Ang JXD, Leftwich PT, Gonzalez E, Shackleford L, Nevard K, Noad R, Anderson MAE, Alphey L

From structure prediction to function: defining the domain on the African swine fever virus CD2v protein required for binding to erythrocytes

Reis AL, Rathakrishnan A, Petrovan V, Islam M, Goatley L, Moffat K, Vuong MT, Lui Y, Davis SJ, Ikemizu S, Dixon LK

Building an inclusive culture at scientific meetings: foundations for future progress

Maringer K, Cunningham-Oakes E, Lane F, Jones KL, Rodrigues de Oliveira BF, Baba-Dikwa A, Mitra A, Perez-Sepulveda B, Chappell CR, Macori G, Donovan-Banfield I, Vohra P, Casey R, Nepal R, Khan CMA

Validation of two multiplex lateral flow devices for the rapid detection and typing of foot-and-mouth disease viruses

Foglia EA, Mioulet V, Cavalera S, Baguisi J, Turgut Sİ, Sangula A, Khan S, Jamal SM, Bull H, Rosati S, Nogarol C, Pezzoni G, Bulut A, King DP, Anfossi L, Rosso F, Brocchi E, Grazioli S

Animal Models in Influenza Research

Zhou J, Hemmink JD, Whittaker CJ, Shelton HA, Peacock T

Pasteurisation temperatures effectively inactivate influenza A viruses in milk

Schafers J, Warren CJ, Yang J, Zhang J, Cole SJ, Cooper J, Drewek K, Kolli BR, McGinn N, Qureshi M, Reid SM, Peacock TP, Brown I, James J, Banyard AC, Iqbal M, Digard P, Hutchinson E

The haemagglutinin gene of bovine-origin H5N1 influenza viruses currently retains receptor-binding and pH-fusion characteristics of avian host phenotype

Yang J, Qureshi M, Kolli R, Peacock TP, Sadeyen JR, Carter T, Richardson S, Daines R, Barclay WS, Brown IH, Iqbal M

Pathophysiology of Penetrating Captive Bolt Stunning in Horned and Polled Sheep and Factors Determining Incomplete Concussion

Gibson TJ, Ridler AL, Limon G, Lamb C, Williams A, Gregory NG

Marek's disease virus-encoded microRNA-M6-5p facilitates viral latent infection by targeting histone demethylase KDM2B

Zhou L, Zhu R, Jiang B, Cheng J, Liu W, Yao Y, Li Y

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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.