The interest in Allergic Lung Disease within the Department of Respiratory Medicine began in 1967 and slowly developed over the years initially with the support of local pigeon clubs. In 1976 the Scottish National Flying Club recognised the need to help those Fanciers suffering with lung disease and the Medical Research Trust came into being. The Scottish Homing Union lent their support at an early stage by approaching their members for a voluntary levy on their annual subscription which continues to be collected annually.

The British Pigeon fancier's Medical Research Trust evolved from the SNFC Medical Research Trust and its change of name reflects its wider involvement with pigeon fanciers' problems throughout the country. The members of the RPRA and the Committee of the BHW Show of the Year recognised the need for financial support and the regular annual donations to the Trust afforded stability and financial stability and enabled the research to go forward. This annual donation continues to be a financial lifeline with much appreciated support also for all other donations received. In addition to the regular contribution from the SHU, the NEHU has held a very successful sale on our behalf for several years. The BFMRT is a Registered Charity and the Medical personnel and senior research staff receive no payment. We currently contribute one half of the salary of a research scientist and pay an honorarium to our Research Co-ordinator who handles the queries from the Fanciers and the blood samples sent for analysis. He also maintains the web site and all communications.

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Research interests and projects have covered a wide area of activity over the years but most attention has centred around the investigation of Pigeon Lung as it occurred naturally in individual fanciers. Basic studies of lung function in groups of fanciers has led to a better understanding of the different ways and extent that people are affected and also what type of reaction can be expected as a result of the pigeon lung reaction. Variations in the level of reaction has been discovered in different people as the seasons change and also with the passage of time. Studies over ten year periods provided much reassurance to some affected fanciers regarding the possibility of long term complications.

The discovery that bloom was a crucial part of the story led to the understanding the levels of the reaction present in the blood reflected the amount of bloom that was inhaled. This then provided the reason for using a mask and also for a mean of monitoring the clinical response to treatment measures. It also marked an important landmark in the education of both Fanciers and Doctors by clarifying the need to reduce the amount of bloom that was breathed in at any one time.

The cause and the nature of the reactions that occur within the body defence system continue to provide a fascinating and important source of research and every year, at the Blackpool Show, we are able to collect samples from affected individuals which permit the steady expansion of our knowledge in this area. More and more pieces of the jig-saw are beginning to slot into place and we are very slowly building up a clearer picture of some of the basic reactions which are taking place in this condition. We are now amongst a very small number of researchers throughout the world who have collected this type of information and who are in a position to explore new ideas particularly of possible new treatments. The strength of all our research rests with the help and co-operation we have received and continue to receive from the Pigeon Fanciers in the UK.

THE FUTURE
The research is an ongoing process and will continue to expand as more knowledge is gained and new techniques are developed. The Research Team will continue to provide the facility for any fancier to have his or her blood checked to measure any reaction to the pigeons if there is a worry about health. An additional aim of the research is to keep fanciers well informed regarding the problems associated with "Pigeon Lung" and to enable them to continue in the sport even if they are affected. Their problems can be assessed more accurately so that, even if they are severely affected, the level of contact they can still maintain with their pigeons can be determined so that they can continue, albeit perhaps part-time, in the Fancy.

It is important to stress the dependence of all the research activities on the support and the involvement of the fanciers. The gradual build up of our facilities and expertise over the years reflects this support. As our knowledge advances, so the scope of the research can expand the whole potential for enlarging the understanding of this condition with the hope that the quality of peoples' lives can be improved and good health maintained.


Gavin Boyd, Director of Research, 11 May 2005