Understanding the negative sense intermediate in the replication of foot-and-mouth-disease virus

The UK 2001 outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease resulted in billions of pounds of losses to the agriculture and tourism industries.

This disease is widespread in many parts of the world (including outbreaks in countries bordering Europe) and transmits between animals very rapidly. Therefore, despite trade restrictions, another UK outbreak is inevitable.

The disease-causing agent is a virus and we are studying how copies of its genetic material are made inside cells to spread infection.

Aspects of this process are unique to this virus and an understanding of the fine details could therefore lead to better disease control in the future, such as safer vaccines.