Scope of Research in the Institute for Animal Health

The Institute for Animal Health (IAH) is a world-leading centre of excellence for research into exotic and endemic infectious diseases of farm animals, to which we have an on-going, long-term commitment. We also study some zoonotic micro-organisms, which originate in animals and cause disease in people. Our research extends from fundamental through strategic to applied science, from genes all the way through to animal populations. It is our belief that better control of animal diseases requires a greater understanding of how each disease agent (pathogen) causes disease (pathogenesis), how the immune systems of the farm animals respond to infection, and how the pathogens spread. In this way we contribute to the development of smarter, more effective vaccines; more discriminatory, user-friendly diagnostics; and the provision of expert knowledge to guide policy makers and farmers.

Our research is delivered through four Institute Strategic Programmes, underpinned by a wide range of essential resources provided by other members of the Institute: