DEPARTMENT FOR
ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS News Release (News Release ref
:329/08) issued by COI News Distribution Service. 14 October 2008
The Veterinary
Laboratories Agency (VLA) succeeded in testing over 12,000 samples
for avian flu in just a 15 day period. This and other
achievements are detailed in the VLA's Annual Review for
2007/08, published today.
The VLA is an Executive Agency of Defra, providing research and
consultancy on livestock diseases and surveillance of new and
emerging diseases for the Government and animal health industry.
Other achievements during the year include VLA's emergency
response to three disease outbreaks, avian influenza, foot and
mouth disease and bluetongue. Over 30,000 samples for avian
influenza were tested during the year, with over 12,000 of these
in a 15 day period after an outbreak in November 2007 in Suffolk.
During the Bluetongue vector free period from January to March,
VLA tested approximately 90,000 samples in the high containment
laboratory facilities on site. Peter Borriello, VLA's new
Chief Executive, said:
"Having only been appointed as VLA's Chief Executive
since 1 October 2008, I cannot claim credit for any of the work
covered in the Review.
"However, I am honoured to have joined an organisation with
such a rich history and am particularly pleased to report that
during the last year, an independent audit of VLA's science
acknowledged the Agency as a recognised centre of excellence.
"During the year the Agency also continued to deliver
evidence and advice to help Government, the industry and animal,
as well as public, health. With global trade encroaching
infections and emerging zoonoses there has never been a more
important time for an Agency such as ours."
The Review also includes special feature articles on FLU-LAB-NET,
a web-based global interactive community for avian influenza and a
new initiative, the Fellowship Scheme, introduced to develop
specific skills within VLA.
A copy of the VLA Annual review can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/vla/reports/rep_annrev.htm,
or by contacting 01932 357314 or enquiries@vla.defra.gsi.gov.uk
Notes to Editors
1. VLA is an Executive Agency of the Department of Environment,
Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). It is a regional network of 16
veterinary laboratories including a central facility near
Weybridge in Surrey.
2. VLA provides a wide range of applied research and consultancy
on livestock diseases and surveillance of new and emerging
diseases for the Government and animal health industry. It is also
a national and international reference laboratory for many farm
animal diseases including avian influenza, bovine tuberculosis,
classical swine fever and TSEs. http://www.vla.gov.uk
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