April 9, 2008

UK scientists form animal health research consortium
 

More than 600 scientists have formed the Easter Bush Research Consortium (EBRC) with the aim of integrating researches on animal diseases.

EBRC's research focus is on effective disease control and treatment, food safety, animal welfare and sustainable management livestock. Another vital research focus is on the role of genes in animal health.

It is great that Scottish scientists are working together to understand the workings of animal diseases, which is a crucial step forward in animal health and welfare research, according to Maggie Gill, chief scientific adviser for rural affairs and the environment in Scotland.

UK science minister Ian Pearson further said that the EBRC will give the UK an additional competitive edge for research in the global market.

The ERBC comprise of researchers from The Roslin Institute, the University of Edinburgh, the Moredun Research Institute and the Scottish Agricultural College.

This will be one of the largest consortium of animal life sciences experts worldwide, according to David Hume, director of The Roslin Institute.

A 2-day conference was held in Edinburgh on Monday (April 7, 2008) where delegates addressed several issues such as the spread of diseases and how to meet increasing livestock demand while minimising its environmental impact.