Obituary: David Henderson (1939-2022)

Obituary

David Henderson.

David Henderson (1939-2022)

It is with great sadness that Moredun staff heard of the death of David Henderson on 8th October and we would like to offer our condolences to his family.

David was Head of Clinical Services and Director of farms at Moredun from 1984 to 1999 and was a passionate advocate for the improvement of farm animal health and welfare through research and education. He was instrumental in designing the new farm facility and in managing the move of the Institute from Gilmerton Road in Edinburgh to Pentlands Science Park in 1997. David was brought up in Northumberland where he worked on a hill sheep farm before training as a vet at the Royal Dick Veterinary School, graduating in 1960. He worked in general practice for several years and then as a senior lecturer at Seale-Hayne Agricultural College. David was a past President of the Sheep Veterinary Society and author of The Veterinary book for Sheep farmers. David made an outstanding contribution to the health and welfare of farm animals through his work and was a great colleague, mentor and friend to many people. He will be greatly missed.

Tackling endemic disease is key in combating climate emissions

Agri-food industry leaders heard from experts across Europe at a major conference in October 2022 on the link between good animal health and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Convened by Animal Health and Welfare NI (AHWNI), the “Healthy Animals – Healthy Environment” conference explored how tackling endemic disease can go hand in hand with the fight against climate change, and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from farms.

Sponsored by DAERA and the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC), the event took place at the Hilton Hotel, Templepatrick, with speakers including Moredun’s Dr Philip Skuce, Dr Inge Santman-Berends from the Royal GD in the Netherlands and Edwin Poots MLA, Minister for Agriculture, the Environment and Rural Affairs.

Tackling endemic disease has a clear impact on farm efficiency by increasing growth rate, reducing days to slaughter, and increasing reproductive performance. This in turn will reduce methane emissions, potentially by as much as 10%.

Insights were shared on just how important tackling endemic disease, such as BVD, is to improving animal health and overall farm productivity, but also significantly improving environmental and climate outcomes. Dr Philip Skuce from the Moredun Research Institute in Edinburgh shared key findings from his recent report “Acting on Methane” which sets out a roadmap for beef, dairy and sheep farmers on the methane impacts of diseases like BVD, and the environmental gains that can be realised through improved disease control.

This conference comes at an important time as ministers work on future agricultural policy and the green growth agenda. Endemic disease control is a vital tool in reducing the environmental footprint of ruminant farms, and this conference will be a key knowledge-sharing opportunity as industry and government develop future strategies to mitigate endemic disease in Northern Ireland.

The Acting on Methane report can be downloaded from https://ruminanthw.org. uk/actingonmethane/

Dr Philip Skuce (R ) spoke about the new “Acting on Methane” report.

www.moredun.org.uk

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.

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