Most people have heard of CJD and BSE, but what about coccidiosis, rinderpest and scrapie? The Institute for Animal Health promotes research into diseases that afflict farm animals. It is running competitions for schools under the title Attack of the Virus Invaders. Children are asked to design storyboards or cartoons that show how viruses are spread, how they cause sickness and how they can be controlled. A website provides background information about familiar examples like colds and measles, and how to apply preventive measures, such as vaccination and good hygiene. The competition closes on 28 February. Entry forms are on the website: www.iah.bbsrc.ac.ukschools.htm