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Viral diseases

Diagnostic excellence in action: APHA’s response to high pathogenicity avian influenza threats in cattle

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Milk being poured into a glass. The APHA logo is also displayed.

In response to a bird flu infection in cattle in the United States, APHA was assigned to provide expert advice and conduct urgent diagnostic investigations to evaluate the potential threat to UK cattle populations.

Rabies in Ghana: The silent bites

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When clinical symptoms appear, rabies is nearly 100% fatal. To reduce this, the UK government has contributed 15,000 doses of rabies vaccine, along with laboratory equipment and supplies, to the Ghanaian Ministry of Food and Agriculture through its ODA-funded Animal Health System Strengthening project, part of UKAid.

The power of collaboration: advancing avian disease diagnosis in Ghana 

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Group of people standing for a photo outside a building with the APHA logo in the top left corner.

Ever wondered what APHA staff get involved with abroad? Learn more about a recent journey taken by APHA scientists to Ghana, where they worked to enhance laboratory skills in diagnosing Avian influenza and Newcastle disease throughout West Africa.

APHA at the forefront of bird flu detection in the sub-Antarctic

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Viral diseases, Wildlife
Snow-capped mountains fronted by the ocean with the APHA logo and title, "Avian Influenza in the Antarctic Region'

Embarking on an extraordinary mission, APHA virologist, Dr. Marco Falchieri, set out to South Georgia. His goal? To investigate the presence of High Pathogenicity H5N1 avian influenza virus. The backdrop: mass deaths of avian and seal species. Join us as we delve into his captivating journey and findings.

The importance of Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) surveillance in controlling bluetongue

Image of a cow's head with the APHA logo and the title, "Bluetongue Virus"

Bluetongue is an exotic notifiable disease in Great Britain, spread primarily by midges, which can threaten animal welfare and trade. Learn how APHA plays a part in controlling this disease.

What is all the buzz about mosquitoes?

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Science Capability in Animal Health Programme, Viral diseases
Image of a mosquito with the APHA logo and the text, "World Mosquito Day 2023"

With climate change impacting mosquito populations in the UK and Europe attention is turning to the increased risk of new diseases becoming established in our mosquito populations. APHA’s Vector-Borne Diseases Workgroup Head, Nick Johnson, and Dr Karen Mansfield, Dr Estela Gonzalez-Fernandez, Sanam Sewgobind and Insiyah Parekh from the Arbovirus Research Team reveal more.

Exploring the rise of vector-borne diseases

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Image of a mosquito, APHA logo and the text, "World Zoonoses Day, Exploring the rise of vector-borne diseases, July 6th 2023"

Temperate regions such as the UK, are now seeing repeated introductions of invasive mosquito species, as well as mosquito-borne viruses not previously detected in the UK. Doctor Luis M. Hernández-Triana, APHA’s Discipline Champion and expert in the field of vector borne diseases describes how APHA is involved in vector borne disease research and the importance of these emerging pathogens.