New Zealand researchers are working on a vaccine for a virus, with pandemic potential

The Otago Global Health Institute, is part of an international consortium awarded 5.7 million dollars, to combat Rift Valley Fever.

The virus is an endemic disease in Africa and the Middle East, which spreads to humans through mosquitos and infected livestock.

Otago Global Health Institute Director ,John Crump, says there's a reason why countries like New Zealand are concerned about the potential spread of this virus.

He says there's many vectors of these diseases, with the breeds of mosquitos and livestock found all around the world.