VSD has four scientific branches:
- Bacteriology;
- Disease Surveillance & Investigation;
- Chemical & Immunodiagnostic Sciences; and
- Virology.
The major work themes of the division include statutory testing in support of DAERA and other government departments; maintenance of an emergency response capability for known and emerging disease threats; animal disease surveillance and investigation; research and development; and commercial services and industry support. An important feature, and strength, of the work of the division is the interdependency and linkage between these work themes.
The division has multidisciplinary scientific capability in the areas of:
- Microbiology
- Molecular biology
- Genetics
- Immunology
- Serology
- Parasitology
- Pathology and histopathology
- Chemical surveillance
- Epidemiology
- Ecology
- Veterinary investigation and advice
While traditional diagnostic and microbiological skills remain fundamental to the work of VSD, advances in molecular diagnostics and genomics and associated data and epidemiological modelling are becoming increasingly important to our epizootic, statutory and R&D functions. AFBI is continuing to expand its capability and capacity in these areas, including investing in next generation sequencing technology, which position us well to contribute to cutting-edge research and to deliver scientific advances in the area.