Zoetis and the Roslin Institute Collaborate to Control Salmonella

Zoetis has entered into a collaboration with The Roslin Institute at the University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom, and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) to research Salmonella in cattle. This collaboration adds a new dimension to the five-year relationship between Zoetis and the BBSRC as they work together to advance understanding of critical animal diseases and develop new solutions for those who raise food animals.

The Roslin Institute has been granted funding from the BBSRC to support collaborative research with Zoetis that will bring valuable industry knowledge and input into its academic research program. For three years, the BBSRC will contribute 80 percent of funding for the study – close to $1 million – and Zoetis will not only provide the remaining 20 percent of funding but also provide in-kind services via research materials and expertise. This strategic collaboration is significant because it impacts human and animal health across the globe.

“Salmonella remains a health concern worldwide and is estimated to cause about 94 million cases of foodborne disease in humans and 155,000 deaths* each year,” said Michelle Haven, DVM, PhD, senior vice president, Corporate Development, Alliances and Solutions at Zoetis. “This collaborative study is fundamental for developing intervention strategies. We’re excited and committed to being at the forefront of these discoveries, working closely with our academic and industry partners, to identify issues and solutions for safe food now and in the future as we work together to feed the world’s growing population.”

The collaborative research study will use the results to identify new and better targets that could help control Salmonella in cattle, according to Professor Mark Stevens, PhD, chair of microbial pathogenesis at The Roslin Institute. The research will help bridge the gap in knowledge of how the infection persists within the lymphatic system.

“Zoetis is an ideal partner for Salmonella research because it will provide a link between our basic research and commercialization,” added Professor Stevens. Through the combination of Zoetis’s expertise and the complimentary talents and capabilities of BBSRC and The Roslin Institute, this collaboration will advance science and help to create a healthier world.

This collaboration is a prime example of the Zoetis open innovation approach to research and development. Zoetis believes that collaborations are essential to driving innovation and delivering greater value for its customers. Alliances with leading research institutes, universities and related industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and agribusiness fuel the insights that advance animal health.  For more information about Zoetis Innovation visit http://www.zoetis.com/innovation.

* Majowicz SE, Musto J, Scallan E, et al. The Global Burden of NontyphoidalSalmonella Gastroenteritis.Clin Infect Dis2010;50(6);882-889.