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EU research for prevention and control of highly transmissible animal diseases

February 16, 2004

The frequent outbreaks of transmissible diseases like foot and mouth disease (FMD), classical swine fever (CSF) or avian influenza (bird flu) have caused devastating economic losses in the past years. Researchers, policy makers and stakeholders from all over the world gathered in Brussels recently to assess ongoing research activities funded by the EU in the context of these outbreaks of epizootic diseases, ethical questions and new EU legislation in this field. The meeting also examined future research needs and ways to boost international co-operation in research. Global problems, such as the current avian influenza outbreaks, need global solutions, in their control and prevention but also in the research on these diseases. The EU is supporting several research projects for prevention and control of highly transmissible animal diseases with a EUR6.2 million budget.

"Europe has a strong tradition in research into transmissible diseases" says European Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin. "These diseases spread rapidly across national borders and have not only a severe economic impact on the farmers involved, but also serious socio-economic and, in some cases, public health consequences. Europe must step up its research efforts to develop better tools to prevent and control outbreaks in Europe and other parts of the world. New vaccines, speedier diagnostics to confirm the existence of a specific virus within hours, and modelling the outbreak patterns could help to contain future epidemics and, ultimately, eradicate these diseases."

Huge economic losses in Europe

As a result of the major foot and mouth disease (FMD) epidemic in 2001 an estimated 7 million animals were culled in the EU at a cost of at least EUR10 billion. Classical swine fever (CSF) continues to be a problem in some areas of the EU where outbreaks of CSF caused more than 15 million pigs to be slaughtered in the 1990s. Furthermore, the control measures applied have considerable social and environmental impact and might raise ethical concerns. Meanwhile, in developing countries, these diseases have a negative impact on development, trade, food security and poverty reduction as the present outbreaks of avian influenza in Asia demonstrate.

Seeking and Sharing Global Solutions

The recent workshop on European research to combat specifically the epizootic diseases FMD and CSF, organized by the European Commission, gathered scientists from the EU, candidate- and third-countries (USA, Australia, Canada, India, Argentina, China, Brazil). Representatives of international organisations were also present, namely the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). The workshop was also attended by representatives of farmers, industry and decision-makers, as well as experts from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Transboundary diseases, such as FMD, CSF, influenza, SARS and others were highlighted as a global problem requiring global solutions. Hence, prevention, control, research and development can only be approached on an international level. With their impact on trade, transport and tourism, these diseases need to be controlled at the source. There is a need, therefore, to develop tools fit for the purpose and conditions prevailing in the relevant regions.

Combat avian influenza

Avian influenza is a devastating disease of poultry that has recently also been of concern for human health. The disease is highly contagious and has its natural reservoir in wild birds. The European AVIFLU research project addresses pathogenesis and improved diagnosis and control of avian influenza infections. For the period of 2002 to 2005, AVIFLU is set to receive EUR1.8 million from the EU. It is co-ordinated by the UK Veterinary Laboratories Agency, involving six European partners. The project focuses on the development and validation of techniques for the detection of the virus, the study of the pathogenesis and the molecular basis for species susceptibility.

It also aims to develop a quantitative transmission model. Other aims of this project are to develop EU validated rapid, diagnostic tests for the identification of infected flocks, natural reservoirs and potentially infected meat. In addition, the development and application of marker vaccines in order to reduce transmission of infection will be studied, particularly for their use in densely populated poultry areas, thus aiding animal welfare policies.

An additional EU research project, ESNIP, has created a European surveillance network for a variant of influenza in pigs with an EU contribution of EUR270 000 for the period 2000-2004. The network involves 14 laboratories from 10 countries

EU research into immune mechanisms

A total of seven projects were supported in the recent Fourth and Fifth Research Framework Programmes of the European Union. Considerable progress has been achieved in the improvement and development of new diagnostic tests for the detection of both viruses and antibodies. The development, standardisation and validation of multiplex methods allowing the detection, in a single test system, of 8 different major viruses in pigs, including CSF and FMD viruses, has been particularly outstanding.

In addition, on-going research has increased understanding of the immune mechanisms underlying early protection, the role of different viral proteins and the impact of different delivery systems, paving the way for the development of a new generation of vaccines for CSF. In FMD, preliminary results with the pioneering technology of laser-microdissection show its potential for explaining the molecular basis of the virus and the mechanisms of its persistence in carrier animals which are a main barrier for the use of vaccine in Europe.

Science to support policies

Two additional projects on FMD and CSF have recently been approved for funding within the EU Sixth Research Framework Programme (FP6, 2002-2006). Both are co-ordinated by the Belgium Veterinary and Agrochemical Research Institute (CODA-CERVA). The project CSF VACCINE & WILD BOAR, with an EU contribution of EUR 1.7 million, addresses the epidemiology and control of CSF in wild boar and the potential use of a live marker vaccine. Wild boars are a reservoir for the CSF virus and have been responsible for the recent outbreaks in Germany and Central Europe.

The other project FMD ImproCon, which has an EU contribution of EUR2.4 million, is focused on the validation of tests to detect non-structural proteins in FMD. The availability of adequate discriminatory tests is the keystone of the new FMD control policy of the European Union. It also aims to improve current available vaccines and to develop marker vaccines.

Global action required

The Sixth Framework Programme will continue to support research in the area of transmissible diseases, bringing together all relevant stakeholders, scientists, policy makers, international organisations and third countries, and could facilitate the participation of Europe in international research initiatives.

European Commission, Research Directorate