VLA Divisional Directors
John Morris
Science Strategy
The development of scientific capabilities across VLA has continued and the Agency is in a strong position to provide top science no matter what the challenge. Our genomic and allied sciences (Biomics) have continued and the new Biomics Information Group have brought specialists together from across the Agency and beyond. An exemplar project to set the VLA standard for producing, storing and sharing genomic data is underway, presentations on micro arrays for the causative agents of food borne zoonoses and Mycobacteria have been well received, as well as the sharing of proteomic experience on various diseases. The implementation of the Data Science strategy has increased our capacity by delivering specialist services from universities including Reading, Liverpool, Strathclyde and the Royal Veterinary College. Other achievements include the statistics strategy, a knowledge directory, the establishment of an Inter Agencies Forum and a joint workshop with Centre for Epidemiology and Risk Analysis and the Institute for Animal Health. The implementation of our Veterinary Sciences strategy has delivered the veterinary surveillance and Veterinary Public Health strategies and recommendations for a veterinary career path at the Agency.
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Chris Thorns
Research
The Research division undertakes the majority of research and consultancy within the Agency and also provides support for animal services to enable work to be carried out on many species of farmed livestock. VLA has continued to provide data to assist in the development of control policies for bovine TB. VLA and Oxford University scientists have provided Defra with evidence on the important role of cattle movements in the spread of TB and the key features of a predictive model developed during the study, which was published in Nature. Furthermore a collaborative project has elucidated the structure of the most important virulence factor known for Mycobacterium bovis and its key role in modulating the host’s immune response. The findings from a large, multidisciplinary project to investigate the epidemiology of VTEC O157 in cattle have been of public health significance. Specific farm interventions appeared to reduce the prevalence of VTEC O157 more effectively than other interventions studied. Research continued into the infection dynamics of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses and provided new information on host susceptibility and transmission characteristics within host populations of chickens and turkeys.
Back to topRoger Hancock
Surveillance and Laboratory Services
The VLA’s regional network of laboratories has continued to provide an early warning of incursion of new and emerging diseases with avian notifiable diseases highlighting the potential risk of importation. Newcastle disease was detected in pheasants on a farm in Surrey and was associated with the importation of birds from France. The virus lineage was shown to be similar to strains of NDV detected in other outbreaks in continental Europe. Avian influenza type H5N1 was detected at a quarantine facility from birds imported from the Far East and was distinguishable from those infecting Eastern Europe. Wild bird submissions for AI surveillance increased and diagnostic testing was facilitated by the successful development and validation of molecular tests. The first case of Epidermolysis bullosa in cattle in the UK was identified while Bovine Virus Diarrhoea type II continued to emerge. Salmonella gallinarum re-emerged and additional scrapie testing was undertaken. An emergency response to possible contamination of foodstuffs with gamma radiation emitting radionucleides, detected during routine scanning of bulk food carrier vehicles at UK ports, was carried out.
Back to topChris Morrey
Business
This year represents the first full year of operation of a single Business Division following the merger of the Business and Management Services Divisions. It has proved so successful that as part of the overall strategy of including all the nondirect science activities within this Division, the Quality Management Group will join next year. Modernising of services has continued with e-procurement and e-Human Resources systems being implemented. A knowledge management implementation plan was also agreed and the Division also co-ordinated the production of Business Continuity and Sustainable Development Plans. Defra announced its intention to establish a Shared Service Organisation to provide common back office HR, Finance, Procurement and Estates services and a number of members of the team have been involved in the outline process design. The potential take up of Shared Services will be considered as part of reviewing the future delivery of business support, which will also need to be informed by the Defra Agencies Review.
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| John Morris |
| Chris Thorns |
| Roger Hancock |
| Chris Morrey |