Company Background
We are based on the site of the Institute for Animal Health in
Compton, Berkshire. We aim to provide a rapid and reliable response
for clients in the event of outbreaks of bacterial infection.
The mass produced commercially available vaccines are not always
completely effective. This is often due to the variation seen within
strains of a bacterial species. In addition changes in animal husbandry
and or legislation can lead to the emergence of new bacterial infections
that have not previously threatened animal species.
Emergency vaccines are derived from the bacterial strain(s) that is isolated
from infected animals at the target site. They therefore have the potential
to induce a potent immune response against the infecting organism.
From receipt of isolate(s) we can produce site specific vaccines typically
within 8-10 weeks. All our vaccines are manufactured under the jurisdiction
of the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, formulated specifically for the requirements
of each client.
The business was established by Alan Wallis MRCVS in Lancashire. On Alan's
retirement in 1999 we relocated onto the site of the Institute for Animal Health
at Compton. Alan has been producing emergency vaccines for over 20 years and
now acts as a veterinary consultant.
Ridgeway Biologicals is located on the site
of the Institute for Animall health. Ridgeway Biological's Managing
Director, Tim Wallis, is one of the worlds leading experts on bacterial
pathogenesis having done a degree in Microbiology at the University of Leeds, and
a PhD at the University of Birmingham studying Salmonella pathogenesis.
He headed the Mammalian Enteric Pathogens research group at the Institute
from 1992-2005 before leaving the Institute to oversee the expansion
of Ridgeway Biologicals Ltd. His research focused on the
virulence factors of Salmonella and E.coli that influence colonisation
and pathogenesis in food producing animals of these important
zoonotic pathogens. Such information is key to the understanding
the infection and immunity of bacterial infections and vaccine development.
Some of the research highlights are cited in the publication section.
The Institute for Animal Health is the largest research institute
in the United Kingdom dedicated to the study of infectious diseases
of farm animals. IAH is a major international centre at the forefront
of research into infectious diseases in farm animals. Research carried
out provides vital information for the development of vaccines, diagnostic
kits and reagents, genes, gene products and vaccine vectors. This
information is ultimately used by the industry of food producing
animals, but is also used to inform policy decisions concerning animal
health, genetics, and welfare.
Our name is derived from The Ridgeway, Britain’s
oldest road, which passes across the back of our site. The Ridgeway
is 137 km (85 miles) long, much of it following the ancient chalk
ridge route used by prehistoric man. It runs from Ivinghoe Beacon
in Buckinghamshire to Overton Hill, near Avebury in Somerset.
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