The farm animals whose health we work for

Most of our research is on the immune systems of cattle and poultry, and selected diseases of these. The development of more effective vaccines requires knowledge of how the immune systems of cattle and poultry (principally the domestic fowl - the chicken) respond to infection. Our research in this area is concentrated at Compton Laboratory. It is also at Compton Laboratory that we study disease-causing agents (pathogens) that are usually present (endemic) in the UK.

Viruses that are not normally present (exotic) in the UK are studied at our Pirbright Laboratory. Although many of these viruses affect cattle, some also or instead affect sheep, pigs, goats and horses.

In addition to doing research, we also have a farm, in the Compton area. This provides good quality cattle and sheep for experimental purposes at both Compton and Pirbright, and also runs on a commercial basis, including milk production. Our Animal Services department provides pigs.