Animal disease experts join forces
Animal disease experts join forces
2008-04-07Newsfeed
A group of more than 600 scientists are combining their efforts to help streamline research into animal diseases.
A group of more than 600 scientists are combining their efforts to help streamline research into animal diseases.
A two-day conference marks the launch of the Easter Bush Research Consortium (EBRC), involving researchers from The Roslin Institute, the University of Edinburgh, the Scottish Agricultural College and the Moredun Research Institute.
Delegates will address issues such as the spread of diseases and how to meet the increasing demand for livestock while minimising its environmental impact.
The new set-up will create one of the largest concentrations of experts in animal life sciences in the world, Professor David Hume, director of The Roslin Institute, said.
The EBRC will look at effective disease controls and treatments, food safety, animal welfare and sustainable management of farm animals. A major focus will be on the role that genes play in animal health.
Maggie Gill, the Scottish government's chief scientific adviser for rural affairs and the environment, said Scottish science is held in the highest regard around the world.
"It is great to see Scottish scientists working together through this consortium to play a leading role in understanding the ways in which these diseases work. This is an important step forward for animal health and welfare research," she said.
Copyright © The Press Association 2008
