AFBI scientists secure new research into infectious diseases, bovine tuberculosis and methane emissions
Date published:
Scientists at the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) will play a key role in research projects on emerging infectious diseases, bovine tuberculosis, and reductions in methane emissions from cattle.
The four projects, worth around €4.3 million, will be carried out with partners across Ireland, following a €37.5 million funding investment from the Irish Government and €3.1m from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).
The ALLIES-Z-Path project will focus on preparing for potential pandemics caused by emerging infectious diseases - particularly fast-mutating viruses which spread from animals to humans.
The project will look at tracking respiratory diseases like bird flu and swine flu; monitoring viral diseases spread by mosquitos or ticks, such as Louping ill, tick-borne encephalitis and West Nile virus, which are becoming more common in northern regions due to climate change, and preparing for unknown future diseases which could cause a pandemic.
(L-R) AFBI scientists Dr Purnika Ranasinghe; Dr Ryan Devaney; Prof Louise Cosby; Dr Adrian Allen; Dr Omar Cristobal Carballo, and Prof Robin Skuce
Prof Louise Cosby, Head of Virology at AFBI, said: “ALLIES-Z-Path aims to help the island of Ireland become a leader in preparing for future pandemics by improving monitoring systems, using advanced testing methods, training staff, and strengthening cross-border co-operation.
“The project aims to detect threats early, assess risks quickly, and respond effectively.”
Staying on the health theme, the bovisSNP project aims to improve how bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is controlled through better understanding of how the disease spreads and why it persists.
The project will use advanced genetic testing and data on cattle movements to track how bTB spreads, identify where infections come from, and provide practical advice to help eradicate it across Ireland.
Dr Adrian Allen, Principal Scientific Officer in bacteriology at AFBI, said: “Ultimately, bovisSNP aims to offer practical, evidence-based recommendations which will strengthen national bTB eradication programmes across the island.”
The third project, SENTINEL, will look at increasing threats from exotic and re-emerging diseases. These diseases pose a significant threat to animal health, food security, trade and farmers’ livelihoods.
The project will use artificial intelligence and both existing and new data sources, including information such as texts and images, to develop predictions to strengthen and expand early disease warning systems.
Finding diseases early allows action to be taken sooner, helping to reduce their impact.
Dr Francis Lively, Principal Scientific Officer at AFBI, said: “SENTINEL will provide useful feedback for farmers and vets to encourage ongoing data sharing, while analysing behaviours and disease trends.
“The project ultimately aims to deliver practical tools which will support and enhance disease surveillance across the island.”
Lastly, RU-MIT-LESS will focus on practical ways in which farmers can reduce methane emissions from cattle.
The project will look at a range of areas including testing new tools to see how well they detect and measure emissions from dairy-origin beef cattle which have been given feed designed to reduce methane.
Scientists will assess how accurate and sensitive the new tools are in both outdoor grazing and indoor housing over an animal’s life cycle.
Dr Omar Cristobal Carballo, Senior Scientific Officer in ruminant nutrition at AFBI, said: “RU-MIT-LESS aims to produce a clear, practical guide for using methane-reducing feed additives in cattle systems across the island of Ireland.
“The project will help inform policy and support farmers in reducing emissions, while still maintaining Ireland’s grass-based beef production system.”
The projects will be carried out with partners including Teagasc, Queen’s University Belfast (QUB), University College Dublin (UCD), Technological University Dublin (TUD), and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).
Professor Elizabeth Magowan, Director of AFBI’s Sustainable Agri-Food Sciences Division, said: “This significant investment from the Irish Government and DAERA will help bring together researchers from across the island of Ireland to tackle challenges facing our farmers and the wider environment.
“I look forward to seeing the vital research these projects will generate.”
The investment was announced as part of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s 2025 Thematic Research Call, with co-funding from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Enterprise supporting Northern Ireland-based partners.
(L-R) Stephen Gordon from UCD School of Veterinary Medicine; Elizabeth Magowan, Director of AFBI’s Sustainable Agri-Food Sciences Division; Minister of State Noel Grealish; Alistair Carson, DAERA Chief Scientific Adviser, and Minister Martin Heydon
Notes to editors:
AFBI is an arms-length body of DAERA delivering research and development, diagnostic and analytical testing, emergency response capability and expert scientific advice for DAERA and other government departments, public bodies and commercial companies in Northern Ireland, and further afield.
AFBI’s Vision is “Scientific excellence delivering impactful and sustainable outcomes for society, economy and the natural environment”.
AFBI’s Purpose is to deliver trusted, independent research, statutory & surveillance science, and expert advice that addresses local and global challenges, informs government policy and industry decision making, and underpins a sustainable agri-food industry and the natural and marine environments.
AFBI’s strategic priorities:
- Leading improvements in the agri-food industry to enhance its sustainability;
- Protecting animal, plant and human health;
- Enhancing the natural and marine environment;
- Delivering quality outcomes and impact;
- Enabling world class science through excellence in people, places & technology.