Innovative, proactive and interdisciplinary protection against epizootics and zoonoses
Epizootic diseases, emerging animal diseases and zoonoses pose a major challenge for society today and will continue to do so in future. With continuing globalisation, climate change and evolving animal husbandry systems, we can expect to see more new viruses emerging. New technologies and research approaches create new opportunities to develop sustainable solutions and to make sure we are well prepared to face future challenges.
As a Swiss federal research institute cooperating formally with the University of Bern, the IVI is unique in the way it combines basic research with its direct translation into solutions for epizootic outbreaks and emerging zoonoses. However, existing strong networks with other research institutions in Switzerland and abroad are also of crucial importance.
Strategic research priorities of the IVI:
- Characterising known and emerging viruses
- Characterising the immune systems of species with veterinary relevance
- Understanding host-pathogen interactions and pathogenesis
- Developing antiviral strategies such as vaccines to combat epizootics and zoonoses
- Applying and establishing state-of-the-art methods and platforms such as multi-omics technologies, bioinformatics, reverse genetics platforms and vaccine platforms in order to achieve our research objectives
Figure: Strategic principles paramount in IVI research
Under the motto «Innovative, proactive and interdisciplinary protection against epizootics and zoonoses», research is carried out in the following three departments:
Diagnostics
Diagnostic research priorities at the IVI include the use of modern sequencing methods (metagenomics, virome screening) for early detection of emerging viruses and determination of viral diversity, e.g. in wild animals, as well as the suitability of alternative, non-invasive sample materials for epizootic surveillance.
In the latter context, for instance, the IVI is involved in the project «Constanze 2 – Active surveillance of avian influenza in wild birds at Lake Constance». The aim of this EFSA-funded research project by the countries bordering Lake Constance is to investigate whether environmental swab samples from waterfowl colonies, for example, are suitable for surveillance of avian influenza.
Virology
The following research groups are part of the IVI’s Department of Virology in Bern and Mittelhäusern:
- Respiratory and enteric viral infections
- Viral infections of ruminants
- Porcine viral infections
- Avian viruses and viral vectors
Immunology
The following research groups are part of the IVI’s Department of Immunology in Bern and Mittelhäusern: