Moredun Magazine - Issue 18 - Autumn/Winter 2019

Moredun ISSUE 18 | AUTUMN/WINTER 2019

magazine

New film on OPA control launched Cattle E.coli research helps explain emergence of human disease Updates on Johne’s disease and sheep mastitis research

www.moredun.org.uk

Contents

Director’s comment

In this Issue: p1-3 News

Moredun researchers investigate new pig virus

p5

Pentlands Science Park/ Moredun Scientific

p6

Progress in developing vaccines to control parasitic nematodes

p7

Cattle E.coli research explains emergence of human disease

p8

Out and About

p10

Disease research updates

p12

Meet Moredun’s newest recruits

Photo | Aviate Media

p4

Welcome to the Autumn/Winter edition of the Moredun Magazine.

In this issue, we highlight two very successful sheep events held on Ruthven Farm in Tomintoul (p1) and Connachan Farm in Perthshire (p2). Alongside talks from Moredun scientists and practical workshops, the latter event hosted the official premiere of a new film on OPA control (p2) which is now freely available.

Thanks to the incredible skill of Blobina Animations, autumn has also seen us release the latest edition in our animated series in conjunction with SRUC and the EPIC consortium, titled “Battle Against BVD” (p3).

With these new videos in mind, we have tidied up our YouTube channel so that it is now easier to view all of our content: www. youtube.com/user/Moredun90/ - do take a

look, there is plenty for you to kick back and watch with a hot cuppa.

On page 5, you can read about the launch of a new Aquaculture service from our commercial arm, Moredun Scientific, which will support the development of fish health, nutrition and disease control products for the sector. In this issue we also report on a wide variety of research from the Institute: from studying the causes of congenital tremors in newborn piglets (p4) to discovering that certain E. coli toxins increase transmission of the bacteria between cattle in a herd (p7).

We are always delighted to welcome new staff and students to the Moredun team, so we have interviewed three of our newest recruits to get to know them a little better: Naomi McLaren in HR, Amy Tyndall in Communications, and PhD student Cassandra McGregor (p12).

And finally, with the festive season getting closer we encourage you to take a look at our 2019 Christmas card boasting an exclusive piece of artwork designed especially for Moredun. You can purchase this and other gifts via our online shop at www.moredun.org.uk/shop.

We look forward to taking you into the new year with us – 2020 is due to be very special indeed, as we look forward to celebrating Moredun’s centenary!

Julie Fitzpatrick Scientific Director and Chief Executive

Moredun Magazine Moredun magazine is produced twice a year and is available free of charge.

Designed and Produced by Moredun Communications Centre ©2019.

All images, unless otherwise stated, are ©Moredun.

To subscribe, contact: Moredun Communications Team, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ

Moredun Magazine | Autumn/Winter 2019

Comments, ideas, suggestions?

Get in touch and let us know.

Please contact: Moredun Communications Team, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ tel: +44 (0)131 445 5111 fax:+44 (0)131 445 6111 email: info@moredun.org.uk web: www.moredun.org.uk @MoredunComms

The Moredun Foundation is a company limited by guarantee, registered in Scotland No. SC151865.

The Moredun Foundation is a charity registered in Scotland, No: SC022515 Address: Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ Cover image: IStock

NEWS

Maximising Grass and Health for Profitable Upland Lamb Production Held at Ruthven Farm on the 14th August 2019, this event was hosted by Jim and Lesley Simmons, new entrant farmers on Crown Estate Scotland’s Glenlivet Estate.

The event was opened by Richard Lochhead, MSP who said “Livestock farming is incredibly important to the upland areas and hill farms in the Speyside area and it was great to see so many local farmers turn out to hear how they can improve productivity, increase efficiencies, and ultimately save money. Crown Estate Scotland and the Moredun Foundation deserve credit for work they’re doing in partnership and I hope we can host more of these kind of events locally in future.”

Charlie Morgan, Grass Master from Wales gave an interesting and informative talk and farm walk focussing on soil health and grass management to maximise finishing lambs early and efficiently on grass alone. He discussed the potential of grass production on rotational

systems and the increase in kg of lamb/hectare of grass if systems are managed correctly.

Sheep health workshops were included in the day including a roundworm control session, given by Moredun’s Dr Dave Bartley who looked at grazing systems in conjunction with best practice worm control including the use of diagnostics. Partners MSD Animal Heath and local farm vet, Ruth Cowie, held a

lameness workshop demonstrating the use of the turnover crate, diagnostics so the correct treatment can be given and the importance of tackling lameness using the 5-point plan or effective flock health plan.

The day finished with a stock judging competition and a fabulous barbecue from local Cairngorm Butchers.

On the farm walk with Charlie Morgan the Grass Master, getting a close look at soil structure and grass quality.

Scotland’s Chief Veterinary Officer awarded Moredun Foundation Fellowship Congratulations to the Scottish Government’s Chief Vet, Sheila Voas, on being awarded a Moredun Foundation Fellowship!

In recognition of her outstanding contribution to livestock health and welfare, Sheila receives life-long membership to the Foundation.

Sheila said via Twitter: “I’m feeling proud and honoured to have been awarded a fellowship by the Moredun Foundation at their AGM today. Scotland is so lucky to have such a wonderful resource in Moredun providing practical research and meeting evidence needs for both farmers and government.”

Sheila Voas is awarded her Fellowship by Ian Duncan Millar, Chairman of the Moredun Foundation.

Moredun Magazine | Autumn/Winter 2019

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News Healthy Hill Sheep for Profitable Farming in the Hills Over 100 farmers gathered at Connachan Farm on Wednesday 28th August 2019 for the Moredun, NSA and MSD Animal Health hill sheep event, kindly hosted by Mary McCall Smith and Scott MacAulay.

Combined Moredun and MSD workshops focussed on three areas of importance to hill sheep health and profitability. The first workshop discussed OPA control by thoracic ultrasound scanning followed by culling of OPA positive sheep. A vaccination workshop was next, focusing on how best to care for and

The event was opened by NSA’s Phil Stocker with strong and positive messages to the hill sheep farming sector and a pledge of support through difficult times. Phil outlined the most critical challenges facing the sheep industry: 1. Global warming and climate change 2. Diet related illness, obesity, diabetes and feeding a growing population sustainably 3. Biodiversity and species abundance The many other positive roles of sheep farming in driving local economies and supporting rural communities and in supporting rural infrastructure and tourism were included.

Phil said: “I believe sheep farming in the hills can win the sustainability argument and that the long term future for this industry and way of life

administer vaccines, including what “not to do”. A biosecurity station then demonstrated Moredun’s pen-side sheep scab diagnostic.

The afternoon finished with tasty lamb The sheep of Connachan farm.

burgers provided by the Kitchen Farmer and kindly sponsored by MSD Animal Health,

can be and should be positive. However, much of our future will depend on reputation and quality.

For our sheep, improving health status will not only improve our reputation but will reduce waste, improve resource use, lead to a better quality product and reduce our carbon footprint.

NSA, working in partnership with others such as the Moredun Foundation, will continue working hard to make sure sheep farming remains an important and valued way of life in our uplands.”

where conversations continued.

Lee Innes, Director of Communications at Moredun, said: “We were delighted at the support from the hill sheep sector for this event, where there was a real buzz of determination and optimism. Moredun will continue to support the sheep sector by helping increase livestock efficiency and reduce disease, through Knowledge Exchange events and outputs.”

New film on OPA Control launched A new Moredun film on OPA control has been launched, produced

by Simon Cousins and filmed at Connachan Farm.

Thoracic ultrasound scanning over a three year period has shown to have reduced the number of positive scans year on year. The key to beating OPA is by acknowledging that it is a problem and doing something about it.

The film was officially launched during the Healthy Hill Sheep event on Connachan Farm.

It created much interest and discussion on the day which centred on how this technique can be applied to both commercial and pedigree flocks to reduce the incidence of disease and decrease risk for potential buyers. The film will now be made freely available for industry to

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Moredun Magazine | Autumn/Winter 2019

A still from the new film on OPA control, as sheep are being scanned.

use to promote open and honest discussions on OPA and decide on the best strategy for disease control.

You can view the film on Moredun’s YouTube channel: https://www.moredun.org.uk/ research/diseases/opa-jaagsiekte

NEWS

Macmillan World’s Biggest Coffee Morning

New animation released: “Battle Against BVD”

With the theme of “nature” for 2019, staff and students from across the Pentlands Science Park came to the Moredun Atrium to take part in the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

There was also the opportunity to buy other cake that had been made or bought.

There was a raffle with a plethora of great prizes and games to play such as “guess the number of berries in the pie”. Tea and coffee were also provided. Just an hour later and most of the tasty treats were gone, and plenty of happy people could be seen walking

Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) is a highly contagious viral disease of cattle. It is one of the costliest cattle diseases in the world, causing a variety of illnesses that can result in the death of the animal.

There was a “Bake Off” competition where

around the building clutching their cake-filled

the submitted cakes were judged on Fantastic

Tupperware.

Flavour (winner: Aleashia Brown, SRUC),

In total we raised £541.37! So a huge

Showstopper (winner: – Suzy Purcell, Roslin

thank you is due to everyone who organised

Foundation) and Star Baker (Lyndsey Melville,

and participated in the event.

Moredun Research Institute).

Thanks to the support of Crown Estate Scotland, SRUC, the EPIC consortium and the incredible talent of Selina Wagner at Blobina Animations, we have released a new short informative animation called “Battle Against BVD”.

This animation describes the problem that farmers face, and what preventative measures can be taken to combat it.

You can watch “Battle Against BVD” on the Moredun website at: https://moredun.org.uk/foundation/ outreach/animation-series

Moredun gets the gold!

Following a recent assessment on 28th August 2019, Moredun has been presented with the Healthy Working Lives Gold Award.

To receive the Gold Award, an organisation must demonstrate long-term commitment to improving health, safety and wellbeing both within the workplace and in the wider community. They must

The Healthy Working Lives (HWL) award programme helps organisations to identify issues and improve health, safety and wellbeing in the work place in a structured and productive way.

provide evidence that a health, safety and wellbeing culture exists and that positive employee behaviour

After submitting an annual review for the previous year, an assessor was then invited to visit Moredun where they met the HWL team, interviewed employees, and toured welfare facilities such as the kitchen and breakout areas.

Congratulations to the HWL team, and well done on all of your hard work!

changes are evident.

Moredun Magazine | Autumn/Winter 2019

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Research Moredun researchers investigate new pig virus

Congenital tremors can cause issues for newborn piglets.

Scientists at Moredun are investigating a new virus which has recently been linked to congenital tremors in pigs. Congenital tremors (CT) is a sporadic disease seen in newborn piglets, usually affecting more than one in a litter. Symptoms range from mild tremors of the head, flank or back legs to whole-body shaking, giving rise to the nickname of “dancer” or “shaker” pigs. They tend to resolve within 6 to 8 weeks although they may still occur in older animals, especially during periods of stress. In severe cases, without intervention the piglets may find it challenging to feed, causing malnutrition, starvation and a higher level of mortality within these litters.

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Moredun Magazine | Autumn/Winter 2019

A specific type of CT known as CT type A-II

Disease Virus (BDV), and Classical Swine

is the most common form of congenital

Fever (CSF). Currently, it is not known if

tremors in piglets in the UK. Furthermore,

immunosuppression, which is a characteristic

Atypical Porcine Pestivirus (APPV) has now

feature of many other pestiviruses, is

been recognised as a likely cause. The virus is

associated with APPV infection and the full

thought to infect the piglets while they are in

implications of APPV for pig production in the

the womb, causing damage to the brain. Since

UK are poorly understood. Researchers at

its discovery, the virus has been identified

Moredun have recently started to investigate

in CT Type A-II affected pigs in a number of

this condition, hoping to provide some insights.

countries including the US, Canada, Brazil,

The APPV project is being led by PhD

China and throughout Europe. Currently, there

student Holly Hill, who started in 2017 with

is no vaccine available for APPV, and control

funding from Moredun Scientific Ltd. Her aim

relies on preventing CT affected pigs from

is to characterise the virus’s relationship with

breeding and exposing sows to infection before

CT type A-II by investigating the development

breeding to render them immune to the virus.

of disease and how the virus interacts with

APPV is related to other pestiviruses

the host. In addition, an antibody-based test

known for causing significant disease of high

is currently under development at Moredun

economic importance in livestock, including

which will support studies on the prevalence of

Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus (BVDV), Border

the virus at both herd and national levels.

Moredun Scientific/Pentlands Science Park

Moredun Scientific launches Aquaculture Contract Research Service Moredun Scientific has launched a new Aquaculture business to deliver contract research services. These will support the development of fish health, nutrition and disease control products for the fast-growing aquaculture sector. This includes vaccines, anti-infectives, antiparasitics and feed additives.

The importance of the aquaculture sector is significant - the tonnage of salmon produced in Scotland now exceeds that for Scottish beef and lamb. Farmed salmon is recognised as a healthy and high quality food and is Scotland’s leading food export. However, the industry suffers relatively high losses compared with most forms of terrestrial livestock production and these impact on fish welfare, public perception of the industry and the profitability of fish farming operations.

Moredun Scientific plans to work with pharmaceutical companies and other organisations to conduct efficacy and safety studies for new and improved products in

aquaculture species. The main species focus will be salmon and trout.

A range of infectious disease models are in development for use in efficacy studies.

Salmon Lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) and Amoebic Gill Disease (Neoparamoeba perurans) impact heavily on fish health and productivity on salmon farms and will be the first models to be developed.

All regulatory studies for clients will be conducted to the principles of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) or VICH-GCP (Veterinary Good Clinical Practice) ensuring the data generated can be used by clients to

support the registration of new products. Early stage, proof of concept studies will also be conducted.

Access to a range of biosecure aquaculture research facilities has been secured to conduct both marine and freshwater studies. The facilities provide high levels of environmental control and are fully compliant with regulatory standards for animal welfare, biosecurity and environmental protection.

Dr Bill Roy, who brings more than 25 years of experience in contract aquaculture service, will head the new business. He is supported by the Moredun Research Institute’s aquaculture scientists who will provide consultancy and specialist services as required.

The new service will have a positive impact on fish welfare, support the sustainable development of the aquaculture industry and provide a new source of income for the Moredun Group.

For more information please contact Bill Roy, Head of Aquaculture, Moredun Scientific wroy@moredun-scientific.com

SRUC settle in It is now just over a year since the first SRUC staff moved into the International Research Centre with the bulk of the staff following in January and February of this year.

After the intense construction and fit-out period which preceded the move, the staff have settled in very well and are happy in their new surroundings. While a lot of planning took place prior to the move, invariably there have been a few teething problems such as some snagging and alterations to laboratory layouts to suit work processes as staff get into the way of working in new surroundings.

Aside from existing relationships between Moredun and SRUC staff, particularly on the veterinary and pathology side, many new friendships are being formed as staff bump into

SRUC staff are also integrating into other aspects of life with Moredun such as representation on the Health & Safety Committee (it is important that common rules and practices apply to both organisations) and also our Environmental Committee (EPAG) to discuss initiatives to control energy consumption and manage and minimise waste. One of the SRUC staff instigated a new SRUC Microbiology staff.

confectionary wrapper recycling service which has been very successful.

As the Festive season approaches, we hope

each other in kitchens, the Park Café and in day to day work interactions.

A Service Level Agreement was finalised which details the support services which PSP and Moredun provide to SRUC in areas such as facilities and engineering support, IT, Stores and waste management and processing. SRUC staff are making good use of the meeting rooms and other facilities and the shared Histopathology laboratory is working well.

that the two organisations will enjoy the social events such as the annual quiz, Christmas Fayre and the Park Café Christmas lunch.

This has been a successful first year. Park Manager, George Walker, would like to thank the SRUC Management and staff for their cooperation and good humour throughout the year and looks forward to increasing collaborations and success in the coming years.

Moredun Magazine | Autumn/Winter 2019

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Research Progress in developing vaccines to control parasitic nematodes

Moredun has been developing vaccines to tackle three major parasite species.

With the emergence in recent years of anthelmintic resistance in the economically important nematode parasites of sheep and cattle, new methods are being developed to complement the use of wormers to extend their life”. Work at Moredun has been focusing on the development of vaccines to control three of the major species of parasitic nematodes: Teladorsagia circumcincta and Haemonchus contortus in sheep, and Ostertagia ostertagi in cattle.

Of these three vaccines, Barbervax®, the one to control Haemonchus (Barber’s Pole worm) has been successfully commercialised. For the last 5 years it has been manufactured and

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Moredun Magazine | Autumn/Winter 2019

We have also developed a prototype vaccine to control Teladorsagia (brown stomach worm) which substantially reduced faecal egg counts in both lambs and pregnant/lactating ewes, and therefore could potentially reduce pasture contamination with the infective larval stages of the parasite.

This original prototype is too complex for commercial manufacture so we are currently simplifying the vaccine and initial results in Barbervax suppresses worm egg production.

lambs look promising, with current trials also being performed in pregnant/lactating ewes.

Moredun, and other groups

sold by Moredun in Australia, where Barber’s pole worm causes significant disease. Since 2016, Barbervax has been exported to South Africa and in the UK it became available under a special treatment certificate and veterinary prescription during 2018.

internationally, have demonstrated that protecting calves against ostertagiosis is achievable by vaccination and current work is attempting to produce an effective, commercially acceptable prototype vaccine for further trials.

RESEARCH

Cattle E. coli research helps explain emergence of human disease A new study published in PLOS Pathogens has shown that a specific toxin produced by naturallyoccurring E. coli bacteria helps these bacteria colonise the intestinal tract of cattle and increases transmission of the bacteria to other animals in the herd.

Rapid and high levels of expression of the toxin also means that when humans are infected they are more likely to suffer more serious symptoms. These toxin properties help explain the emergence of this dangerous human pathogen over the last 40 years.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a group of bacteria that makes up part of the natural gut flora of healthy humans and some animals.

While many strains are harmless, some are known to cause serious disease in animals and humans.

Enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) O157 are a subset of E. coli that are present in the gastrointestinal tract of cattle but cause no discernible disease in these animals. However, EHEC O157 excreted in the faeces of infected cattle can be passed on to humans through exposure to contaminated water, meat or vegetables. EHEC produce toxins known as Shiga toxins of various sub-types. These toxins can cause a variety of diseases in humans by attacking the lining of blood vessels within the body, from diarrhoea with or without blood to more severe and potentially fatal kidney disease. The most dangerous toxin subtype for humans is subtype 2a (Stx2a).

Dr Tom McNeilly, lead scientist at Moredun said: “Our study shows for the first time that Stx2a toxin plays a key role in allowing E. coli O157 to colonise the cattle gut, increasing the ability of Stx2a positive bacteria to transmit between animals and shed at high levels into the environment. This matters because most human infections are thought to originate from cattle, and infections with E. coli O157 strains containing Stx2a are associated with more severe forms of human disease.”

EHEC O157 bacteria attaching to an epithelial cell.

The study, involving a collaboration

to some other Stx subtypes. Secondly, our

between scientists at Moredun Research

work demonstrates how the toxin can provide

Institute, the Roslin Institute (University of

an advantage in the animal host, basically by

Edinburgh), Biomathematics and Statistics

halting the usual turnover of gut cells that

Scotland and international partners,

would remove adherent E. coli; so the bacteria

investigated the role of Stx2a in colonisation

colonise more easily, persist in the gut and can

of the cattle gut. It showed that Stx2a plays a

be excreted at high levels to go onto infect

critical role in increasing transmission of EHEC

other animals and possibly humans”.

O157 between cattle due to a combination of

Dr Javier Palarea, BioSS, said:

two factors. Firstly, Stx2a is produced more

“We modelled all critical aspects of bacterial

rapidly by the bacteria than other Shiga toxins

shedding, antibody response and transmission

and secondly, Stx2a promotes persistence of

data, which made it possible to distinguish

the bacteria on cells which line the gastro-

genuine signals from biological noise and

intestinal tract of cattle by reducing their

establish a solid framework for future

turnover rate. This essentially allows infected

research. This study illustrates how rigorous

cells to survive for longer, making it more likely

experimental design, coupled with advanced

that the cattle will shed the bacteria in their

data analysis and modelling expertise, is

faeces for longer and at higher levels, and thus

fundamental to successful scientific discovery.”

increasing the chance that the bacteria can be

The work demonstrates the advantage

passed to other cattle in the herd as well as

of Shiga toxins within the ruminant animal

to humans.

system. Ongoing work between these research

Prof David Gally, Roslin Institute said:

partners has developed a vaccine for use in

“The study is important as it explains firstly

cattle that has recently obtained commercial

why the Stx2a subtype has become common

backing for a field trial.

in E. coli O157 strains, the answer being that it can be produced more rapidly compared

The original study was funded by the Food Standards Agency/Food Standards Scotland.

Moredun Magazine | Autumn/Winter 2019

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Out and About Biggar Science Festival The Moredun Disease Detectives returned to the Biggar Science Festival for the third year in a row in September. The interactive activity, designed by researchers at Moredun, offers budding young scientists the chance to try their hand at spreading samples on agar plates then identifying bacteria that cause disease in animals and humans. This involved some very realistic looking fake poo samples and showcased the MALDI mass spectrometry method that we specialise in at Moredun. Lots of fun was had detecting the bad bacteria then discussing how to avoid them. Younger participants could also make their own sheep or colour in a range of microbes to take home.

The team entertained festival goers for five hours and received great feedback.

A budding young scientist discusses microbes with Moredun’s Kevin McLean.

Royal Agricultural Societies Awards At a special ceremony at the Royal Highland Show, Professor Lee Innes, Communications Director from Moredun, was awarded an Associateship of the Royal Agricultural Societies. John Copland, supporter of the Moredun Foundation and retired auctioneer and manager from Orkney Auction Mart, also received a Fellowship - the highest honour given by the RAS, and awarded to John for five decades of service to agriculture in Orkney.

The Royal Agricultural Societies recognise through these awards outstanding contribution by an individual to the wellbeing of agriculture and the land based industries through research, innovation, education and communication.

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Moredun Magazine | Autumn/Winter 2019

Professor Lee Innes and John Copland receive their awards from the Royal Agricultural Societies.

OUT AND ABOUT

Shows Round-Up We had a busy summer period engaging with the public at various events across the UK. May saw us travelling to Glynllifon in Wales to the National Sheep Association’s (NSA) Welsh Sheep 2019 event, where visitors had the opportunity to be updated on all the latest news, views and technical innovation against a compelling historic backdrop. This was followed by the National Beef Association’s Beef Expo in Kendal, Cumbria, which is considered a major showcase for pedigree and commercial breed societies who want to promote the quality of their cattle. Continuing the cattle theme, it was back up to Scotland to Oldmeldrum in Aberdeenshire to attend Scottish Beef Association’s Scotland’s Beef Event 2019.

In June we were back to events of an ovine nature as we headed to Settle in North Yorkshire for NSA’s North Sheep event, followed by their Highland Sheep event in Thurso, Caitness. Our last major outing was a little closer to home – the Royal Highland Show in Ingliston, Edinburgh, were we premiered our new film celebrating Moredun’s centenary.

The busy Moredun marquee at the Royal Highland Show during our annual evening reception.

Getting the Parasitology pop-up lab prepared for the Welsh Sheep event.

Enjoying a quiet moment at the RHS watching Moredun’s newly launched centenary film.

Moredun Magazine | Autumn/Winter 2019

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Research Moredun update on Johne’s disease (paratuberculosis) Johne’s disease is an infectious enteritis [inflammation of the intestine] caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) that principally affects ruminants. It is widespread in many countries, including the UK, and is responsible for significant financial losses to the livestock industries. The clinical signs are severe weight loss, reduced body condition and diarrhoea (mainly in cattle). The disease is spread mainly by the ingestion of faeces from an infected animal but transmission can also occur via colostrum, milk, semen and across the placenta to unborn animals. Most animals become infected soon after birth but there is a long incubation period of two to four years during which time the animals appear healthy but may shed MAP intermittently.

The diagnosis of Johne’s disease is problematic and there is no single diagnostic test that can reliably detect all stages of the disease, particularly the subclinical incubation period.

The most common diagnostic test is an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that detects antibodies in the blood or milk.

Alternatively, culture or molecular based PCR tests can be used to detect MAP in faeces or milk.

Our research at Moredun has been focussed on investigating early infection stages in cattle to try to improve early diagnosis or develop early intervention strategies to prevent clinical disease. We developed a blood test to detect the early cell-mediated immune response to infection based on the Bovigam interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) used for bovine tuberculosis but incorporating MAP-specific antigens. We have used this assay to monitor early MAP infection and compare its performance with the antibody ELISA and faecal culture for diagnosing Johne’s disease

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Moredun Magazine | Autumn/Winter 2019

Johne’s disease can result in significant financial losses for the livestock industry.

in an infected commercial beef herd over a period of six years. We are now analysing the data to find out if the MAP-specific IGRA can predict which animals go on to develop disease or if interferon gamma responses correlate with shedding of MAP by infected animals.

Vaccination is an effective control option for sheep and goats but the available vaccines are not recommended for use in cattle in the UK as they can interfere with statutory tuberculin testing for tuberculosis. The current

vaccines are whole cell inactivated vaccines which reduce shedding of MAP in faeces and the incidence of clinical disease but do not have the ability to completely prevent infection and provide protection. Studies have shown that live attenuated vaccines elicit better immunity to mycobacterial diseases. Therefore, we have been researching options in the laboratory of appropriate attenuated strains of MAP that will induce the correct protective immune responses but will not cause disease.

RESEARCH

Moredun update on sheep mastitis research A bacterial infection of the mammary gland, or mastitis, not only impacts the health of the ewe but also her welfare and that of her lambs. The financial impact of mastitis control is high due to treatment costs, extra feeding of lambs and premature culling of persistently infected or damaged ewes as part of on farm disease control.

continues to grow. The development of

Mannheimia haemolytica, Staphylococcus aureus

alternatives to antimicrobials in mastitis

and Streptococcus uberis. These models now

control is therefore seen as an industry

allow us to characterise in detail the immune

priority. Despite many years of research, no

response to each infection and to test a

commercial vaccines are available for

vaccine against M. haemolytica intramammary

preventing mastitis in sheep. The development

infection. Through a series of trials aimed at

of mastitis vaccines for sheep and cattle has

targeting the immune response to the

been hampered by the poor knowledge of

mammary gland by delivery of the vaccine

how to induce and target protective immunity

directly through the teat canal, we were able

to the mammary gland.

to induce significant levels of protection

Over the last few years, we developed

against later infection. These promising initial

Mastitis control relies heavily on antimicrobials

infection models for the three major bacterial

results will be developed further over the

but pressure to reduce their use in agriculture

causes of sheep mastitis in Scotland,

next few years.

Moredun’s sheep mastitis research is aimed at reducing the use of antimicrobials.

Moredun Magazine | Autumn/Winter 2019 11

Spotlight Meet Moredun’s newest recruits Naomi McLaren Naomi started her role as HR Advisor for the Moredun Group in August 2019

Why did you decide to apply to work for Moredun?

What exciting projects are coming up for the HR team?

I applied for the role of HR Advisor at the

I am on two committees which both have

Moredun Group as I liked the generalist role

some significant work coming up. On the

advertised. This meant I would be doing a

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion committee,

variety of things in HR such as recruitment,

we are working on the Athena Swan

employee relations and training, which is what

application and the Health Working Lives Team

I enjoy the most about HR. When researching

has just achieved the Gold Award which we

the Moredun Group for my application and

are looking to maintain this year.

interview, I learned a lot about the research, I’m happy to be part of an organisation that is

What do you like to do in your spare time?

making a difference to others.

I have a little boy, Rhys, who keeps me very

education and other aspects of the group and

busy with soft play, swimming and other

Cassandra McGregor Cassie joined Moredun as a PhD student in August 2019

What’s the most challenging part of your role?

activities in my ‘spare time’.

I would say getting to know about everything

Tell me a random fact about yourself!

in HR such as processes, polices and the

I lived abroad for a lot of my childhood in the

system and of course trying to remember

Netherlands and Hong Kong, although I’m a

everyone’s name!

passionate Welsh rugby fan!

Why did you choose Moredun for your PhD?

nematodes and my project will use the tools developed to investigate this further. Data gathered will provide empirical evidence to support and bolster the development of advice and recommendations to farmers, vets and livestock marts. In particular it will focus on the importance of effective quarantine treatment of new and returning livestock, the implementation of effective biosecurity measures and the merit of using diagnostic testing for livestock nematodes.

I have always wanted to use my science knowledge and interest in health and infection to benefit animal health and welfare. Also, growing up I wanted to be a farm vet or a zoo vet, so Moredun seemed the perfect fit to blend those two interests.

What is your research and why is it important?

What is your earliest memory of enjoying science?

I have had an interest in science since early Primary school, with our first experiment looking at how acid and alkaline foods/drinks would affect your teeth – bright colours on pH paper were enough to convince a child that science was fun!

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Moredun Magazine | Autumn/Winter 2019

My PhD is focused on the development of molecular tools to identify different sheep and cattle nematode [roundworm] species and, where markers for resistance are available, assess likely sensitivity to anthelmintics like the benzimidazoles. Different nematodes have different clinical relevance and propensities to develop anthelmintic resistance. As such, it is important to be able to accurately diagnose what parasites are present in a flock or herd and whether or not the parasites are resistant to particular anthelmintics.

The movements of livestock and wildlife such as deer have been hypothesized as being major factors in the translocation of

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I enjoy cooking and baking, spending time with my friends, and if I can find cheap flights for a weekend break I’ll be off gallivanting somewhere warm.

Tell me a random fact about yourself!

I have a lovely cat called Schrödinger, but unlike the paradox she is always alive – and always bothering you for food!

SPOTLIGHT

Amy Tyndall Amy started her role as Communications Officer for the Moredun Group in July 2019

What is your work background?

communication, engagement and education

Varied! I have a PhD in Astrophysics, but I skipped the Postdoc life and went straight into public engagement and science communication. Since 2015 I’ve worked in a few roles around Edinburgh centered on astronomy, biomedical research and community engagement with STEM. I love interacting with the public and having conversations with people, and I’m definitely better at that than coding!

around science is now more important than

Why did you apply to work at Moredun?

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I’ve always loved animals - I wanted to be a vet originally – so I like that I get to play a tiny part in improving their welfare by getting the messages out. I knew that Moredun’s work with the farming community would be an interesting way to see “behind the scenes” and properly educate myself about an industry and lifestyle that I know next to nothing about.

I love nature and the outdoors, and am at my

ever. It is our duty to correct misconceptions, break down stereotypes and make our research as inclusive, diverse and accessible as possible in order to acquire public support.

On a more positive note, science communication can spark dialogue, capture the imagination and bring communities together to work towards a common goal.

And what’s not to love about that?

happiest up a munro or camping. I have been taking lessons in the celtic pennywhistle for over a year, and have discovered a love of knitting! I also run a monthly outreach event in the centre of Edinburgh called “Astronomy on Tap” to ensure I still get my space fix.

Tell me a random fact about yourself!

Why is science communication important?

I was in the final selection for the BBC2 series

In this frightening era of “fake news” and with the distrust of scientists increasing with the rise of right-wing populism, good

but narrowly missed out to another Scouse

“Astronauts: Do you have what it takes?” physicist-turned-science-communicator.

Devastated!

2019 Christmas Card and Gift Range Christmas is now just around the corner, and we are delighted that The Moredun Foundation have a selection of Christmas gifts and merchandise for sale to members and supporters this year.

Further information can be found on our website www.moredun.org.uk/shop

Moredun Magazine | Autumn/Winter 2019 13

The Moredun Foundation is a company limited by guarantee, registered in Scotland No. SC151865.

The Moredun Foundation is a charity registered in Scotland, No. SC022515.

Address: Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian, Scotland, EH26 0PZ.

4,000/JTCP

www.moredun.org.uk