UK Publicly Funded Research Relating to Brucella spp.

Tuesday 29 August 2006

A new report in a series providing an overview of publicly funded research relating to microbiological safety of food has been produced by the Microbiological Safety of Food Funders group (MSFFG).

The new report was published in August 2006 and reviews publicly funded research related to Brucella spp. This report comprises research funded by the members of the MSFFG, and covers a total of six projects over the period 1990 to December 2005. During this period there have been very few projects supported by the MSFFG members relating to Brucella spp. All of those relevant to the microbiological safety of food relate to the occurrence of Brucella spp. in animals.

Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by members of the Brucella spp. Various species of Brucella spp. infect different animals including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, dogs, sea mammals and a variety of other animals. Infection of humans occurs directly via contact with infected animals or through animal products, in particular unpasteurised milk, cream, cheese and other dairy products. The occurrence of brucellosis in humans in the United Kingdom is very rare, with most cases being acquired abroad.

During the last 15 years, there has been very little research relating to Brucella spp. in the UK. It does not present a concern relating to the microbiological safety of food, as Great Britain has been brucellosis-free since 1991. There is limited need for further research into the properties and nature of Brucella spp., except to develop a greater understanding of the epidemiology of the organism, and to ensure that there is an accepted, rapid test which can be used in surveillance.

The MSFFG is a cross-representational body involving bodies who fund microbiological research in the area of food safety. Membership includes representatives from the Food Standards Agency (FSA), the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Northern Ireland, the Environment Agency, the Food Safety Promotion Board, FSA Scotland, FSA Wales, FSA Northern Ireland, the Health Protection Agency, the Meat and Livestock Commission, the Medical Research Council, the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department Science and Research Group and the Scottish Executive Department of Health. The Group�s terms of reference are:

�To assist the co-ordination of publicly funded research and development on the microbiological safety of the food chain with a view to informing the research and development effort, identifying gaps and overlaps, and providing reports as appropriate.�