The Tochigi Branch, Epizootic Research Center was separated from the Head Office and established as a research laboratory for equine infectious diseases in June 1970. It celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2000. This unit is the only laboratory conducting research needed for the prevention and control of equine infectious diseases in Japan. It is engaged in epizootiology of domestic and overseas equine infectious diseases caused by protozoa, bacteria and viruses, as well as the elucidation and diagnosis of etiological agents and pathogenesis, and research on the development of diagnostic and prophylactic methods. The organization of the Tochigi Branch consists of 1 section and 2 divisions (Research Coordination Section, Microbiology Division, and Molecular Biology Division). The Molecular Biology Division mainly conducts research on useful proteins related to the development of improved diagnostic methods and prophylaxis for equine infectious diseases using advanced technology, and the structure and functions of pathogenic genes due to protozoa, bacteria, and viruses in horses. It also conducts research on molecular epidemiology and immunology. The Microbiology Division conducts research on the host parasite relationship and pathogens that cause infectious diseases and epidemics in horses in Japan and overseas, as well as epidemiology and pathological studies of infectious diseases. The Research Coordination Section is a channel for the management of research plans related to equine infectious diseases, planning and coordination of research collaboration with other research bodies in Japan and overseas, and diagnostic services.

Research Buildings

　The Tochigi Branch has been officially recognized by the MAFF as a designated institute for equine infectious diseases in Japan. It is also a key member of the Liaison Council for the Prevention and Control of Equine Infectious Diseases (LCPCEID), consisting of the National Institute of Animal Health and the National Veterinary Assay Laboratory, as well as the expert committees of the LCPCEID. As such, the Tochigi Branch is positioned as a center research laboratory for promoting the improvement or development of techniques for prevention and diagnosis at the Animal Quarantine Stations and the Livestock Hygine Centers in Japan. As part of its activities, it gives technical training of diagnosing equine infectious diseases to staffs of the Animal Quarantine Stations, and the Livestock Hygiene Centers who are engaged in diagnosing equine infectious diseases. Meanwhile, in November 1999, the Tochigi Branch was officially recognized as an OIE reference laboratory for equine viral arteritis, and contributes to the establishment of international standardization of diagnosis.

Technical Training to Veterinary Staffs of the Livestock Hygine Centers and the Animal Quarantine Stations.

　The main research achievements of the Tochigi Branch to date include helping to prevent the prevalence and collective occurrence of equine infectious anemia, equine influenza, Getah virus infection in horses, contagious equine metritis, equine herpes virus infection, and others. It has also conducted research on overseas epidemics such as African horse sickness, equine viral arteritis, West Nile virus infection, equine protozoal myeloencephalitis, and equine babesiosis. It is engaged in surveillance of infectious diseases in breeding areas and training facilities, as well as gathering and providing information on predictions for epidemics. Since 2001, we have been working on“Development of a live vaccine for equine rhinopneumonitis (EHV-I) using advanced technology”.

　The main facilities of the Tochigi Branch are the administration building, the research buildings (clean room, DNA lab, physicochemical lab, immunology lab, virology lab, bacteriology lab, and proto-zoology lab, clean animal room and physical containment room for small experimental animals, isotope facilities, etc.), a P3 level biohazard stable, stables for experimental infection, experimental horse stables, healthy horse stables, diseased horse stables, small and medium sized experimental animal facilities, facilities for washing and sterilizing experiment instruments, incinerators, quarantine facilities, autopsy and specimen facilities, electron microscope room, and preparation room for microscopic examination, library, collating room, cold storage and freezer rooms.

Biohazard Facility (P3 level) for Horses