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“The risks are growing around climate change and urbanisation,” Prof Dame Jenny Harries, the UKHSA chief executive, told the Telegraph.

The UKHSA has increased surveillance of pathogens carried by vectors such as ticks and mosquitoes in recent years as average temperatures have climbed. The virus is endemic in parts of Africa and Asia and has become an “emerging pathogen” in Europe, fueled in part by the spread of ticks. The centre is already undertaking clinical trials in what could be a world-first vaccine against Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever – a tick-borne virus with a case fatality rate of around 30 per cent. Other vaccines being given priority by the unit include Lassa Fever and Nipah, both of which sit on the World Health Organization’s list of potentially pandemic pathogens for which there are no pharmaceutical countermeasures.

“We’ve strengthened our surveillance, and are testing people who may have been exposed to it.” “We are absolutely stepping up preparedness efforts for H5N1,” added Dr Oliver. “We’re getting the tools ready that we would need if the virus transmits from people to people,” said Dr Hallis. While there have been isolated cases of H5N1 humans, including four poultry workers in the UK, the virus has not yet gained the ability to spread human to human. H5N1 has killed tens of millions of farmed and wild birds around the world and has more recently impacted a wide range of mammals including foxes, mink, sea lions, dolphins and even domestic cats. “At the moment that’s H5N1, avian influenza – we need a vaccine for humans.” ‘Getting ready’ for bird flu “Our priority is always what is needed in the UK,” said Dr Bassam Hallis, the UKHSA’s Porton Down deputy director. More than 100 separate projects are underway, with a focus on the viruses that appear to present the clearest danger.

The unit’s work supports the development of new vaccines by testing and evaluating them against threats capable of causing a health emergency. It is situated at the UKHSA’s Porton Down site, where it is co-located with other high security services like the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory. The Telegraph was part of a small group of reporters shown round the new 2,800-square metre facility last week.

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