Area of investment and support

Area of investment and support: Zoonoses and emerging livestock systems

Zoonoses and emerging livestock systems (ZELS) is a joint research and training initiative to tackle diseases that could pass from animals to humans. It aims to improve the health and wellbeing of animals, humans and the environment and, ultimately, enhance the lives of millions.

Budget:
Research grants with a total funding of £21.1 million, with a further £1.5 million for studentships. Eleven projects are funded across 11 developing countries, involving 19 UK research institutions and more than 30 overseas institutions.
Duration:
2012 - 2022
Partners involved:
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), Economic and Social Sciences Research Council (ESRC), Medical Research Council (MRC), Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

The scope and what we're doing

ZELS is a joint research initiative between the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and five other partners, including BBSRC.

Why we're doing it

Zoonoses are diseases capable of passing from animals to humans and are estimated to have cost more than $20 billion in direct costs globally between 2000 and 2010, with a further $200 billion in indirect costs.

As well as threatening human and animal health, zoonoses affect livestock production, causing economic and social harm to communities in developed and developing countries.

Opportunities, support and resources available

Who to contact

You can contact either of these people.

Amanda Read

Email: amanda.read@bbsrc.ukri.org

Telephone: 01793 414665

Peter Stevenson

Email: peter.stevenson@bbsrc.ukri.org

Last updated: 8 February 2024

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