The Institute for Animal Health has started the search for a contractor and will hold a bidders day in Swindon on 7 October.

Expressions of interest in attending the day should be emailed to [email protected]

It is estimated the new lab will cost £70m to build, and will concentrate on research into avian viruses, particularly those that pose a threat to humans.

This means the new facility will need to be built to a very high level of biological containment. Construction is due to start next summer.

Presently, Shepherd Construction is completing the £100m phase one main livestock laboratories, which are due to become operational in early 2014.