Three scientists from The Pirbright Institute have shared their knowledge of tackling animal viruses at a North African conference.
Professor Munir Iqbal, Dr Donald King and Dr Georgina Limon-Vega addressed an audience of vets and representatives from animal health authorities at the 8th Scientific Day on Transboundary Animal Diseases (TADs) in Tunis.
TADs are highly transmissible diseases of livestock. Examples include bluetongue, foot-and-mouth disease, lumpy skin disease and avian influenza. Spreading quicky across borders, these pathogens can pose a serious threat to animal well-being, international trade and global food security.
The event, organized by BSA Medical and Boehringer Ingelheim, discussed the prevention and management of cross-border diseases in North African countries and brought together specialists from across the world.
Professor Iqbal spoke on potential threats and mitigation strategies for avian Influenza viruses; Dr King discussed the epidemiology of foot-and-mouth disease worldwide and in North Africa, examining prevalence, distribution, and trends, and Dr Limon-Vega gave an update on the challenges of tackling the global prevalence of lumpy skin disease.
Professor Iqbal said: “New variant strains of avian influenza emerge in one region and spread globally through migratory wild birds, posing a constant threat to poultry and livestock production. These variants often evade the effectiveness of current vaccines and diagnostics. Our research focuses on designing more effective vaccines and diagnostics by understanding the genetic and antigenic diversity of these emerging viruses. Implementing improved disease control systems will certainly help mitigate the devastating impact of these viruses on animals, humans, the economy, and the environment."
Dr Limon -Vega said: “Lumpy skin disease has recently been reported in three North African countries for the first time. Engaging with people who are at the center of decision-making and on the frontline of controlling transboundary diseases is critical to finding sustainable solutions.”
The Pirbright Institute is designated World Reference Laboratory for Foot-and-Mouth Disease by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and as a reference laboratory for FMD by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
Dr King and his team received an award from the conference for their work.
“I was delighted to receive the award which recognised the contribution of our team to tackling FMD,” said Dr King. “It acknowledges the considerable expertise we have established at Pirbright since being designated WRLFMD in the 1950s.”
