Biosecurity News and Research

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Biosecurity is a set of preventive measures designed to reduce the risk of transmission of infectious diseases, quarantined pests, invasive alien species, living modified organisms.

Avian flu's leap to humans: Understanding risks and prevention strategies

Comprehensive report by the EFSA and ECDC delves into the factors that could prompt an avian influenza virus to evolve and potentially spark a pandemic, emphasizing the One Health approach for effective prevention and risk mitigation strategies.

10 Apr 2024

ELRIG UK announces Steve Bates and Dr Anderson Ryan as keynote speakers at Research and Innovation 2024

The European Laboratory Research & Innovation Group (ELRIG) UK today announced the keynote speakers for its upcoming Research and Innovation conference taking place at the University of Manchester from 20–21 March.

From ELRIG (UK) Ltd. 8 Feb 2024

UKHSA unveils groundbreaking Pathogen Genomics Strategy for pandemic preparedness

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has today published its Pathogen Genomics Strategy, laying out a 5 year plan for the organization's role in the wider delivery of pathogen genomics to prepare for and respond to infectious disease threats to public health.

24 Jan 2024

Study sheds light on global laboratory-acquired infections and pathogen escapes

Study analyzes global incidents of laboratory-acquired infections and accidental pathogen escapes from 2000 to 2021, highlighting the need for improved biosafety protocols and reporting systems.

17 Dec 2023

Researchers receive $2 million NSF grant to continue fight against airborne pathogens

Bahareh Behkam and collaborators have received a $2 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to continue their fight against airborne pathogens

6 Dec 2023

Human-to-lion COVID transmission confirmed: Singapore study rings alarm bells for endangered species

The study reveals that the SARS-CoV-2 delta variant was transmitted from humans to lions at a Singapore zoo, emphasizing the risk to captive and endangered animals. The researchers call for strict infection control measures and suggest vaccinations for susceptible animals to protect them from anthropogenic viral transmissions.

30 Oct 2023

Halting pandemics at the source: The call for a proactive 'One Health' approach

The recent PLoS Pathogens review emphasizes proactively preventing pathogen spillover from animals to humans as a strategy against future pandemics, advocating for a holistic One Health approach that considers the interconnectedness of humans, animals, and the environment. The study underscores the importance of primary prevention, differentiating it from secondary containment, and highlights the economic and societal benefits of preemptive actions over reactive responses.

10 Oct 2023

SOUND-control: A COST Action advancing cattle disease control in Europe

Europe has faced its fair share of animal health crises, like the outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease, Avian influenza in the Netherlands (2003), and African swine fever. But what about the diseases present in many countries that don't grab the headlines?

12 Jul 2023

FOUR PAWS highlights World Zoonoses Day 2023 and outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

Today, on World Zoonosis Day, global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS flags that governments have not learnt the lesson from COVID-19 that human, environmental and animal health must be addressed together to prevent another pandemic.

10 Jul 2023

Study reveals potential bioterrorism agents and urges enhanced biosecurity measures

Research paper provides pathogen incidences for potential bioterrorism agents in the Netherlands from 2009 to 2019. The study highlights the need for biosecurity measures based on the observed incidences.

15 Jun 2023

Oliver Dowden: New Biothreats Radar will be key to the UK’s fight against future biological threats

A new Biothreats Radar capable of scanning biological risks that pose a threat to the public will be key to the UK's fight and preparation for future pandemics, the Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden has announced today (Monday 12 June).

12 Jun 2023

HORIBA introduces simple in-house PCR test for faster strangles diagnosis

NORTHAMPTON, UK (27th April 2023) – HORIBA UK Veterinary is supporting Strangles Awareness Week 2023 to educate and improve biosecurity for this devastating equine specific disease.

From HORIBA Scientific UK 27 Apr 2023

Could mink serve as an immediate host for Influenza A transmission?

A recent study discussed influenza A virus infections in minks, emphasizing their contribution/role as an intermediate host.

3 Apr 2023

HIV prevention model in Zambian prisons may be extended to other criminal justice facilities

A recent study performed in Zambia by University of Maryland School of Medicine's Institute of Human Virology researchers found that high uptake of HIV preventative medicine, known as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), is possible in prison populations with adequate resources and support from the criminal justice health system.

16 Feb 2023

Death of a zoo hippopotamus underscores the species’ susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2

A recent study investigated the death of a hippopotamus at a zoo in Hanoi, Vietnam.

16 Feb 2023

Multispecies cluster of SARS-CoV-2 infections associated with an infected African lion

A recent paper described, for the first time, the transmission of this virus from an animal in a zoo to zoo employees.

2 Feb 2023

Expert panel proposes stringent biosecurity oversight to avert future pandemics

The National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB) issued draft recommendations to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on January 20, 2023, on the effectiveness of two biosecurity policy frameworks existent in the United States (US).

25 Jan 2023

First known epidemic of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in farmed mink

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) is a strain of the avian influenza virus that primarily affects birds, particularly poultry. HPAI A(H5N1) is a highly contagious and deadly virus that can cause severe illness and death in birds, including chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys.

22 Jan 2023

First H5N3 infection in a captive emperor tamarin documented in new study

In a new study, researchers reported the first H5N3 infection in a captive Emperor Tamarin.

19 Dec 2022

Avian influenza update: Bird keepers in England must house all poultry and captive birds until further notice

All poultry and captive birds must be housed in England until further notice, following an increase in the number of detections of avian influenza in wild birds and on commercial premises.

14 Dec 2022