Investigations at the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Research Station at pirbright are directed in the main to ascertaining the nature and properties of the virus of the disease, devising the most practical methods of protecting animals against infection, and improving tests for detecting the presence of the virus and determining the protective properties of vaccines and anti-sera. The staff engaged at the station comprises four research officers. 11 technical assistants, 15 animal attendants and 14 farm maintenance and clerical staff. The estimated cost of the work, including capital expenditure, in the present financial year is £61,000. Actual expenditure in the previous three years averaged £37,000.