Strengthening poultry research collaboration between Britain and China

The deal aims to strengthen the partnership between the 2 nations and their work to tackle a range of avian diseases. It builds on the research by the UK-China Centre of Excellence for Research on Avian Diseases (CERAD), which was established by The Pirbright Institute in 2015.

CERAD brought together the Shandong Binzhou Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine Academy and other Chinese academic institutions to focus on research on avian diseases.

This 7-year Newton-funded collaboration produced extensive research into different aspects of avian diseases, leading to scientific publications, the development of vaccines and diagnostic tests, international meetings and training on poultry diseases research for students and post-doctoral scientists.

Innovative approaches in avian health

Welcoming the new deal, Pirbright Institute director Professor Bryan Charleston, said: “This agreement brings together Pirbright, Shandong and 10 Chinese academic institutions, reinforcing CERAD’s commitment to innovative approaches in avian health, using emerging technologies such as genomics, AI and single cell biology for improving animal health capabilities.”

Professor Bing Zhang, director of Shandong’s Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine Academy added: “This agreement will expand the cooperation members to 8 provinces in China, covering the major poultry production areas in China, which is of great significance in comprehensively promoting the research and control of poultry diseases in China and the UK. It will lay a solid foundation for us to promote the international layout and global development of avian disease prevention and control.”

Funding

Pirbright researcher Professor Venugopal Nair said securing joint funding for avian disease from national and international funding agencies would be a top priority for CERAD.

“Enhancing connectivity among UK and Chinese academic institutions, CERAD will emphasise capacity building and knowledge transfer through exchange visits, training programmes, scientific conferences and through developing educational resources,” he added.