The poultry industry is rapidly developing in most countries playing a critical role in ensuring global food security.
In the UK, the poultry sector contributes billions of pounds to the economy. China has experienced significant growth in the last few decades becoming one of the world’s leading poultry producers. However, with this rapid expansion, both countries have faced substantial challenges from various avian diseases.
The UK-China Centre of Excellence for Research on Avian Diseases (CERAD), initially established by funding from the UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and Newton Fund, now operates with support from its partners.
CERAD’s mission is to address the challenges from multitude of avian diseases through fundamental and applied research to bring innovations for improving poultry health.
Major aims of UK-China CERAD
- Identify major avian disease challenges to develop joint research strategies for combating losses in both countries.
- Develop a platform for research partnerships between UK and Chinese academic institutions in avian disease research.
- Apply for joint research funding in both countries to strengthen the research base on avian diseases.
- Develop future researchers in avian diseases through training of students and post-doctoral scientists.
- Build plans for knowledge exchange and commercialisation from joint research efforts.