The virology research laboratory (VRL) conducts research and diagnosis of important viral diseases of livestock and poultry. It has expertise in virus isolation techniques using cell culture, embryonated eggs or experimental animal models. Major Transboundary and economically significant viruses under study include LSD, FMD, PPR, AHS, EHV, NCD, ASF, rabies and others.

Identification and characterization of field isolates is performed through gold standard methods: Virus isolation – Growing virus from clinical samples in permissive cells/hosts to obtain pure virus cultures.

Virus Neutralization Test (VNT) – Detecting virus-specific antibodies in serum using virus-antibody neutralization.

Immunofluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT) – Visualizing virus antigens in cells through antigen-antibody fluorescent staining. This work aids understanding of viral epidemiology, evolution, diagnosing outbreaks and developing control strategies. The high containment facilities and expertise in isolation/identification allow VRL to play a vital role in research on transboundary diseases of national concern.