Institute of Virology and Immunology

The Federal Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI) is Switzerland’s reference laboratory for the diagnosis and research of highly infectious and other important epizootic diseases, including viral zoonoses (infectious diseases that are transmissible between animals and humans). As part of a cooperation agreement with the Vetsuisse faculty of the University of Bern since 2014, the IVI is also responsible for teaching in virology and immunology at the faculty. The IVI has two locations. In Mittelhäusern, we have a high-security laboratory for work with highly contagious animal diseases (up to risk level 4) and zoonotic pathogens (up to risk level 3), and in Bern for work with pathogens up to risk level 2.

For current news, see also 'About us'.

News

Blog - Young researchers from the IVI

The Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI) is running a blog dedicated to its young researchers. This time, Katja Moser reports on how she developed a diagnostic test designed to enable faster differentiation between BVDV and BDV antibodies.

EPIZONE Annual Meeting 2026 in Bern

The current presence and increased risk of highly contagious animal diseases and vector-borne diseases in Europe is unprecedented. Exchange among research experts in the field through strong networks is an important pillar of preparedness. The EPIZONE annual meeting 2026 will take place from 2–4 September 2026 in Bern-Ittigen, Switzerland - Save the Date!

What SPF and farm pigs teach us about protective immunity against African swine fever

African swine fever virus (ASFV) causes a severe hemorrhagic disease in domestic pigs and wild boars. Two recent publications from the IVI provide new insights linking the baseline immune status to the development of protection against ASF.

Stability of H5N1 influenza viruses in raw milk products

An infection of dairy cows with the H5N1 avian influenza virus was first observed in the USA in 2024. The milk of the infected animals contained large quantities of infectious viruses. In a joint study conducted by Agroscope and the IVI, the safety of yoghurt and cheese made from raw milk has now been examined.

Can the monkeypox virus spread in the human brain?

Researchers from the IVI and the University of Bern, in collaboration with the Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and the Spiez Federal Laboratory, have discovered that the monkeypox virus (MPXV) can spread efficiently in brain organoids, leading to neuronal cell death.

SRF Tagesgespäch ('topic talk of the day')

In this radio interview with radio SRF (swiss german dialect), Claudia Bachofen explains why the threat of animal diseases has increased so dramatically in recent years and why the IVI must be ready at all times to diagnose outbreaks.

Blog - Young researchers from the IVI

The IVI is running a blog dedicated to its young researchers. This time, Marion Stettler reports on how they successfully tested a vaccine against bird flu on 24 different bird species at the "Tierpark" (Zoo) Bern and the Basel Zoo.

Contact

University of Bern
Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI)

Länggassstrasse 122
Postfach 3350
3001 Bern