‘One Health’ poultry hub launches
International experts in animal-to-human diseases have announced the launch of a ‘poultry hub’ designed to meet the rising demand for poultry meat in developing countries while minimising the risk to public health.
The poultry hub will investigate how and why intensification of poultry production increases risk of infectious diseases.
The ‘One Health’ poultry hub is funded by the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI and will work on the need for safe, sustainable poultry production in Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.
The hub is led by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), London, and comprises partners in Asia, Australia, Europe and the UK.
It will bring together teams of laboratory, clinical, veterinary and social scientists who will take a ‘One Health’ approach to the challenge of providing safe, secure food.
It will investigate how and why intensification of poultry production increases risk of infectious diseases, and will identify high-risk behaviours, process and environments.
Population growth is driving continually increasing demand for poultry meat and egg production. However, rapid intensification creates conditions for diseases to emerge and spill over to people.
These include bacterial food poisoning and strains of avian influenza with epidemic or pandemic potential. Increased antimicrobial resistance due to misuse of antibiotics in poultry farming is also a global threat.
Hub director, Professor Fiona Tomley of the RVC, said: “I am privileged and delighted to lead this exciting partnership.
“The enthusiasm and engagement of our diverse team gives me confidence that we will succeed in assisting the development of policies for environmental, economic and social sustainability of poultry production systems and reduce threats to human and animal health and welfare.”
The research process will start on 13th February 2019.
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