Devon researchers seek funding for fungus to combat bluetongue virus
A funding bid is being prepared to develop a fungus that could help combat future outbreaks of the bluetongue virus in Devon. The county has become the national epicenter for the virus, accounting for more than 40 percent of the 2,915 cases recorded across England.
The virus, which is transmitted by midges, can cause livestock fatalities or infertility. Because chemical pesticides are often harmful to the environment and non-target species, researchers are looking into biological controls. Previous research by the Pirbright Institute and Swansea University investigated Metarhizium, a naturally occurring fungus capable of killing 98 percent of midge larvae and adults.
The bid seeks support from the Accelerating Development of Practices and Technologies (ADOPT) program, which is funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and supported by Innovate UK.
Entities
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs · Devon · Louise Wainwright · Pirbright Institute · Swansea University
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] A funding bid is being prepared for the development of a fungus to battle bluetongue outbreaks. www.okehampton-today.co.uk · www.creditoncourier.co.uk
- [● 2 SOURCES] Metarhizium fungus has been shown to kill 98 percent of midge larvae and adults. www.okehampton-today.co.uk · www.creditoncourier.co.uk
- [● 2 SOURCES] Devon accounts for more than 40 percent of the 2,915 bluetongue cases in England. www.okehampton-today.co.uk · www.creditoncourier.co.uk
- [● 2 SOURCES] The virus is carried by midges that have increased due to warm and dry weather. www.okehampton-today.co.uk · www.creditoncourier.co.uk
- [● 2 SOURCES] The funding bid is being directed toward the ADOPT program. www.okehampton-today.co.uk · www.creditoncourier.co.uk