300 of Europe's top scientists in 16 Institutes/Organisations in 10 European countries have come together to form "Med-Vet-Net". This "Virtual Institute" will, at last, create the critical mass of European scientists needed to attack the problems caused by zoonotic disease. The institute is financed by the EU and will cost 14.4m over 5 years.

Zoonotic diseases, caused by bacteria, viruses and parasites, are naturally transmitted from animals to man and each year cause 14m deaths worldwide (WHO). Such diseases include salmonella, rabies and cryptosporidia. In addition to the human pain and misery caused by these diseases the cost to the EU, is well in excess of 6bn/yr.

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Contact: Kate Stinchcombe
kate.stinchcombe@oxon.blackwellpublishing.com
Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
9-Sep-2004

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