It has been noted as being of high international quality as a result of a recent rigorous independent assessment. This has been achieved through a commitment over many years and has been the outcome of long-term strategic planning and the creation of a vigorous and responsive scientific programme. It was, however, clear that significant scientific and commercial opportunities would emerge from developing a science programme focused on understanding the pathogenesis and epidemiology of infectious diseases with an ability to work from the molecule through the gene to the whole animal and herd or flock. But for this to be realised the Institute required wide ranging restructuring. This has been achieved and my initial enthusiasm has been fully justified by the creation of the new-look Institute for Animal Health.
Infectious diseases pose constant threats to the agricultural industry and society.
BSE, salmonellosis and Escherichia coli are obvious examples and there are many other infectious diseases of farm animals that have emerged or re-emerged to threaten the livestock production industry and to remind us in no uncertain terms that infectious disease is not static. New diseases emerge and new strains of existing pathogens evolve that demand either a new control strategy or the modification of an existing one. New diseases require a speedy response but they also offer new challenges and new opportunities. Social demands for a sustainable agriculture are placing greater emphasis on the need to control animal disease through biological methods. But with increasing public concerns about food quality, animal welfare and environmental pollution, future control measures will increasingly rely on improved vaccines and other biological approaches.