MERSEYSIDE is to open the world's first science centre dedicated to tackling bird flu and other infections transmitted from animals to humans.

The University of Liverpool was yesterday awarded £1.68m from the North West Regional Development Agency to help establish what is an international first, a Centre for Zoonosis Research.

Scientists at the centre, to be based in Wirral at the Leahurst veterinary teaching hospital, will undertake research into zoonosis, infections transmissible between animals and humans.

Recent examples include BSE/vCJD, known as "mad cow disease" and bird flu (Avian Influenza).

Worldwide, around 75% of emerging infectious diseases in humans are zoonosis, yet research in the area is often incomplete, and sometimes contradictory.

Experts say the problem is because zoonotic infections typically span medical and veterinary responsibilities. It needs a multidisciplinary approach, using scientists across all specialities.

The centre, expected to open this June, will bring together scientists working on zoonosis from the Universities of Liverpool and Lancaster, with representatives from the Health Protection Agency and the Veterinary Laboratories Agency.

Last night, Professor Tony Hart of Medical Microbiology in the university's Faculty of Medicine, said: "Avian flu is an important part of our research.

"We are currently investigating how it could enter the country."

The development of a multi-disciplinary centre of excellence in zoonosis research and policy development will form a national focus in this field for government, industry and the general public.

The award, announced last night, is Liverpool's second successful application to the North West Science Fund.

In September 2005, £2.5m was awarded to the Universities of Liverpool and Manchester to establish the North West Laser Engineering Consortium (NWLEC).

That project brings together expertise from both universities to research and develop laser capabilities in the region.

Steve Broomhead, the NWDA's chief executive, said: "Science is a key economic driver providing the impetus for investment and innovation across key business sectors, creating high quality employment and business renewal.

"The new NWSF will significantly improve the North West's science infrastructure, reaffirming England's reputation at the leading edge of scientific endeavour, as well as making a major contribution to UK research."

Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liverpool Professor Jon Saunders said: "The new centre will build on our unique expertise in animal and human infectious disease and will further strengthen Liverpool's capability for studying infections transmitted between animals and people.

"The university is a major player in advancing the research base of the North West and in making our region an excellent location in which to undertake research that impacts on world health."

The Netherlands and France are expected today to be given EU permission to start vaccinating poultry flocks against bird flu.

Barring last-minute hitches, the controversial decision will be taken by EU veterinary experts who have been meeting in Brussels for two days to consider stepping up controls as the deadly H5NI strain of the virus spreads across Europe.

larryneild@dailypost.co.uk