Impact Case Studies
Our work has a huge impact both nationally and internationally as we fulfil our mission to be the world's leading innovative centre for preventing and controlling viral diseases of livestock.
We play a crucial role in protecting UK livestock from viruses that have huge socio-economic impact with a unique combination of fundamental research and applied science in diagnostics and control.
Potential treatments for mpox
In a collaborative effort, researchers from the University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, and The Pirbright Institute discovered how poxviruses, including mpox, evade human immune defenses.
The research revealed that the mpox virus exploits a host protein, cyclophilin A, for its replication, presenting a promising opportunity for treatment using existing drugs.
Cyclophilin A is already a target for drugs used to treat certain viral infections and for immunosuppression. By repurposing non-immunosuppressive versions of these drugs, new treatments for mpox could be developed that:
- Are less prone to viral resistance since they target a host protein rather than the virus itself.
- Could be effective against multiple poxviruses using the same evasion strategy.
- Can be rapidly produced and deployed as they have already undergone clinical trials.
With £2 million in funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the Medical Research Council (MRC), the Mpox Consortium was formed during the global mpox epidemic in 2022. This consortium has been instrumental in facilitating fast-paced, impactful research, leading to these crucial findings.
Tackling sheeppox and goatpox in Nigeria
Together with the Royal Veterinary College in London and National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Pirbright researchers have worked with scientists, farmers and policy makers in Nigeria to address the devastating impact of sheeppox and goatpox.
These highly contagious diseases severely affect animal health, causing up to 40% mortality, weight loss, and reduced wool and cashmere production. Given Nigeria’s large sheep and goat population, these diseases significantly threaten livelihoods.
Led by Dr Georgina Limon-Vega, the team identified key disease risk factors. They used this information to assess the effectiveness of control measures, finding that vaccination is economically viable for most scenarios.
To aid farmers, they developed an online vaccine cost calculator, enabling them to evaluate the financial benefits of vaccinating their animals.
African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV)
African swine fever virus (ASFV) is a deadly disease affecting pigs, with a potential UK outbreak estimated to cost up to £100 million. The Pirbright Institute plays a key role in protecting pig populations and supporting national preparedness by advising Defra and devolved administrations, and guiding farmers and vets on how to respond to outbreaks.
As one of seven WOAH International Reference Laboratories for ASFV, Pirbright strengthens global resilience by providing diagnostics, training, and policy support. Its unique reference collection of over 500 ASFV strains helps improve virus detection, disinfection protocols, and understanding of how the virus spreads.
The Institute’s long-standing expertise has contributed to the development of candidate vaccines, supporting global efforts to control ASFV despite challenges from wildlife reservoirs in Africa. Its involvement in international projects such as DEFEND and Horizon Europe fosters collaboration and innovation.
Through cutting-edge research and global partnerships, Pirbright not only protects UK agriculture but also helps shape international best practices and policy. Its work continues to advance scientific understanding and strengthen defences against ASFV worldwide.
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) can cause devastating economic losses, with annual costs in endemic regions reaching up to US$1 billion. The Pirbright Institute plays a vital role in protecting livestock and economies by strengthening national and global preparedness.
As the FAO’s World Reference Laboratory for FMD since 1958, the institute holds the world’s largest archive of FMD samples and provides expert diagnostics, training, and strategic advice. In the UK, it serves as Defra’s National Reference Laboratory, delivering rapid evidence to inform outbreak control strategies and trade decisions.
Internationally, Pirbright supports countries where FMD is endemic through surveillance, diagnostics, vaccine monitoring, and collaborative research. For example, its development of a novel thermostable vaccine promises better access in resource-limited settings.
The Institute also co-developed the openFMD platform and regional roadmaps to improve knowledge sharing and coordinated responses across Africa and Asia. Its Laboratory Twinning initiative with the African Union’s vaccine centre in Ethiopia helps build local capacity for vaccine evaluation.
Through innovation, collaboration, and scientific excellence, Pirbright’s FMD research continues to protect animal health, food security, and livelihoods around the world.
Leadership in Biosafety
The Pirbright Institute is internationally recognised for its leadership in biosafety, helping to raise global standards in managing biological risks. With around 65% of its resources designated as National Bioscience Research Infrastructure (NBRI) level 1, Pirbright operates high-containment facilities essential for studying serious animal diseases. This expertise supports best practice across the UK and beyond.
Pirbright develops and delivers accredited biosafety training, including online and instructor-led courses. In 2024, it helped launch the Biorisk Professional Registration Scheme (BPRS), approved by the Royal Society of Biology, to support professionals in evidencing and developing skills in biorisk management. Pirbright also provides RSB-accredited training for the scheme.
The Institute chairs the UK’s Biorisk Strategic Leadership Group (BSLG), works with the National Laboratories Alliance, and contributes to BSL4ZNet—a global network of high-containment labs. It also shares knowledge with partners such as Dstl, APHA, NBAF (US), and VIDO (Canada), strengthening biosafety capacity worldwide.
Through strategic partnerships, training, and thought leadership, the Pirbright Institute helps ensure safe and effective research environments, reinforcing the UK’s position at the forefront of biosafety innovation.
Contribution to the UK COVID-19 response
The Pirbright Institute played a key role in the UK’s fight against COVID-19, using its expertise in animal coronaviruses to support vaccine development, testing, and virus tracking.
As part of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine team, Pirbright scientists showed that two doses significantly boosted antibody responses in pigs. This evidence helped shape the UK’s two-dose vaccination strategy, which reduced hospitalisations and saved lives.
To support national testing efforts, Pirbright provided 13 high-throughput instruments to the UK’s National Coronavirus Testing Centre and deployed over 60 staff to assist Public Health England. The Institute also helped set up The Lighthouse Laboratory in Bracknell, training NHS staff and supporting the Test and Trace programme.
Pirbright’s research into virus mutations, through the G2P-UK Consortium, informed Government decisions on vaccine boosters and lockdowns. It also led a global research network, coordinating efforts across 500+ scientists to prepare for future pandemics.
Pirbright’s rapid response and scientific leadership demonstrated its value as a National Capability—delivering vital knowledge, tools, and people to help protect public health.
Virus Evolution and Transmission
Understanding how viruses change and spread is key to stopping disease outbreaks before they happen. At The Pirbright Institute, scientists study viruses and the animals they infect, using cutting-edge tools to track how diseases move and evolve. This helps protect livestock, safeguard livelihoods, and prepare for future health threats.
In countries like Cameroon, Nigeria, and Nepal, Pirbright researchers have used simple environmental sampling methods to detect serious livestock diseases such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR). These low-cost techniques allow for early warning and faster responses, especially in areas with limited resources.
The Institute has also used genetic analysis and disease modelling to study Bluetongue virus (BTV) in India and Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in Europe and Africa. This work has helped guide control strategies and even led to the discovery of a new type of LSD virus in West and Central Africa.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pirbright scientists explored how the virus moved between animals and humans. Their findings are helping us understand what makes viruses jump species—and how we can stop future pandemics before they start.
Through innovative science and global collaboration, Pirbright is making a real difference in how we detect, understand, and respond to disease threats—protecting animals, people, and economies around the world
One Health Animal Models
The One Health approach recognises the deep connections between human, animal, and environmental health. At The Pirbright Institute, scientists use animal models to better understand and tackle diseases that affect both animals and people.
Pirbright pioneered the use of pigs to study human respiratory viruses, showing their biological similarity to humans. This model has been used to test flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Research using cows led to the development of a bovine respiratory syncytial virus (bRSV) vaccine, which directly supported the approval of a human RSV vaccine - now licensed for older adults and pregnant women, with the potential to save thousands of lives each year. In poultry, Pirbright’s research into viral oncogenesis helps explain how viruses trigger cancer, offering insights into how mutated genes (oncogenes) behave across species.
Beyond research, Pirbright fosters collaboration through partnerships with the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research and the One Health Vector-Borne Diseases Hub led by Imperial College London. These initiatives promote data sharing and coordinated responses to emerging threats.
Pirbright’s work exemplifies the One Health vision - delivering cross-species insights that improve global health and strengthen preparedness for future outbreaks.