Page 125 - VHSA - Onderstepoort 100 Years - Part 3

ONDERSTEPOORT 100
Major progress has been made in the study of virus diseases and their causal agents at Onderstepoort over the past century. Many riddles were solved and safe as well as efficacious vaccines have been developed. These scientific advances not only benefited the South African farming community, those in neighbouring
and other African states, but also the international world at large. It is granted that veterinary research, and more particularly virus research, can be perceived as expensive but the reduction in stock losses, animal suffering as well as economic losses to the farming community far
outweighs the expenditure.
Despite the undisputed milestones that have been achieved, many serious problems remain unsolved and need urgent attention. Similarly, many
diagnostic techniques should be improved to expedite
results. With a few exceptions the available vaccines can be improved
with regard to superior immunogenicity and safety.
The researchers of the past century have done
this country proud and it is up to the
current and future staff to maintain this fine tradition.
215
Virology
1908-2008
Years