The remit of the Institute for Animal Health is research for the health of farm animals. This requires that we know
precisely what symptoms are caused by infectious disease agents (viruses, bacteria, parasites), and that we
understand the disease process in each case. The knowledge gained is taken into account when disease-control
strategies are designed. Moreover, much of our research is aimed at the development of vaccines and diagnostics,
leading to better farm animal health and, consequently, more sustainable animal farming. These objectives require
that we perform controlled experiments with farm animal species.
We are committed to the principals of the 3Rs: reduction (in numbers), refinement (of procedures) and replacement
(with laboratory procedures) of experimental animals, commensurate with being able to do statistically and biologically
significant experiments for animal health. We interact with the
National Centre for the 3Rs
and have introduced enriched
environments for our animals. One of our scientists recently received an international award for applying the 3Rs in
his research that underpins the development of vaccines against bacterial diseases (caused by salmonella and Escherichia
coli) of farm animals.
Our experiments are undertaken by skilled scientists and animal technicians, regulated by the Home Office, who inspect
our facilities and monitor our procedures frequently. We are members of
Understanding Animal Research
, which works to inform the public about the necessity for the proper and proportionate use of animals in research for human and animal health.
The Institute