Redevelopment work has begun at the National Avian Research Facility (NARF) at the University of Edinburgh's Easter Bush campus.

The £14m project is being funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), Roslin Foundation and University of Edinburgh. Work is expected to be completed in late 2014.

The facilities resources will be made available to both national and international researchers who are studying issues relating to avian health, such as the spread of infections.

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With the industry worth 5% of the world-market food value, research could also range from looking at diseases that have a large economic burden on the industry and helping to develop vaccines against these infections.

The new initiative also involves collaboration between The Roslin Institute, which is incorporated with the University of Edinburgh's Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, and The Pirbright Institute in Surrey. Both institutes are known for their research into animal diseases and are strategically funded by the BBSRC.

The main contractor on the construction is Barr Construction, and David Mason, senior project manager at the company, said: "Barr will deliver a functional and sustainable space for the staff and we are confident it will provide a stimulating environment to aid their research."

(JP)