Moredun Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2023 - Issue 26

Moredun ISSUE 26

| AUTUMN/WINTER 2023

magazine

Farewell to Julie Fitzpatrick New CEO and Scientific Director announced Grant awarded for BRD vaccine development

www.moredun.org.uk

Contents

Director’s comment

In this Issue: p1

News

p2

Moredun announces new Scientific Director and CEO

p4

Farewell to Julie...

p7

Moredun Scientific completes Streptococcus suis vaccine research project

p8

Nematode, Louping Ill and BRD vaccine research updates

p10

Award success at the Royal Highland Show

p11

Liver fluke study on Islay

p13

Meet Moredun’s newest recruits

As the new CEO and Scientific Director of the Moredun Group, I am delighted to be writing my first introduction for the magazine! There are lots of changes happening across the institute at the moment, so we are very grateful for your continued support as we enter this new phase of life.

We said our heartfelt goodbyes recently to Professor Julie Fitzpatrick, my predecessor, as she retires after almost 20 years of service to Moredun. As part of this, we were pleased to present her with a Moredun Foundation Honorary Fellowship alongside Professor Randolph Richards – see page 3. On page 4, you can read Julie’s final comments and reflections on her time as CEO, as well as

some opening words from myself. There are many challenges ahead for the livestock industry, and I look forward to doing my part in helping Moredun achieve its aims, especially as we set out on our new five-year strategy.

Moredun scientists have recently had a a very fruitful round of grant applications, which will help towards our goals in developing vaccines for gastrointestinal worms, louping ill and bovine respiratory disease – three diseases that cause significant health and economical issues for infected flocks and herds. Read more on pages 8 and 9. Our colleagues at Moredun Scientific have also had great vaccine-related success, as they celebrate the completion of a four-year research project on the development of a vaccine against Streptococcus suis infections in pigs. See page 7.

Our summer show season was perhaps the busiest it has been since before the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Royal Highland Show seeing a particularly high footfall. Several awards were presented to Moredun staff in this period, including the NSA Scotland Silver Salver and the RHASS Technical Innovation Award – see page 10 to meet our deserving recipients.

I look forward to meeting many of you throughout 2024 and in the years to come.

In the meantime, have a great winter season.

Dr Tom McNeilly Scientific Director and Chief Executive

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

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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 2023

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: Dan Smedley on Unsplash

NEWS

Meet Moredun’s new Head of Business Development The Moredun Group are delighted to introduce Charlotte Burgess as the new Head of Business Development.

and marketing. She also provides significant support to the company’s business during conferences and trade events. In addition to her role at Moredun Scientific, Charlotte also

Charlotte has a rich history with the Moredun Group, starting with her bachelor honours project in parasitology at the Moredun Research Institute. After graduation, she continued her journey as a research assistant there and then moved to the role of Technical Officer at Moredun Scientific. She then pursued an MSc in Science Communication and PhD in Quantitative Genetics before returning to the Moredun Research Institute as a postdoctoral researcher specialising in the population genetics of ovine nematodes on UK farms. More recently she has been working in the commercial side of science, developing an extensive network of contacts across the animal health and life science industries.

works with the scientists at the Moredun Research Institute to identify Intellectual Property and commercial potential in their research, facilitate routes to market and support any spin out companies.

Charlotte Burgess said: “I am happy to have rejoined the Moredun Group in such an exciting position and look forward to bringing all of my experience to the role.”

Charlotte took up her new appointment at the end of August, working across the Moredun Group. She is responsible for growing the Animal Health and Aquaculture contract research businesses at Moredun Scientific through strategic account management

Rhona Macdonald, Managing Director of Moredun Scientific said: “I am very pleased that Charlotte has joined us as our Head of Business development. This is a key position across the Moredun Group and Charlotte brings significant scientific and industry knowledge to the role.”

Food for Thought – an online resource for SEFARI livestock research “Food for Thought” is a new animated resource hosted on the SEFARI website featuring an interactive farming landscape.

Users can explore key aspects of sustainable livestock production in Scotland as well as the underpinning research from SEFARI institutes and key stakeholders.

onboard to help improve the user experience - you might recognise the style and cast of characters from Moredun’s animation series!

While ‘Food for Thought’ doesn’t pretend to be a one-stop shop for all things livestockrelated, it does attempt to promote a wider and better understanding of the Scottish livestock industry. This includes the positive benefits of eating safe and nutritious food, alongside the environmental, social and economic benefits that livestock farming can

The project was born out of an ‘Informing and influencing public opinion towards supporting

how to best promote fair, balanced and more

bring. We hope to update the resource as new

UK livestock farmers’ workshop held at

positive stories about the livestock industry

information becomes available, so watch this

Moredun back in 2019. The general feeling

that make an impact.

space! Hope you enjoy exploring the site!

at the time, which still persists today, was

We were able to focus on the

that the livestock research community needs

development of the resource during the

Beth Wells (Moredun), Lorna Dawson (James

to support and inform farmers. This is done

COVID-19 pandemic, and bring our expert

Hutton Institute), Selina Wagner (@Ping

through research and communications on

animator, Selina from @Ping Creates

Creates) and SEFARI Gateway for funding.

With thanks to all contributors, especially

Moredun Magazine | Autumn/Winter 2023

1

News Moredun announces new Scientific Director and CEO diagnostic tests to target treatments, and new disease management strategies, aligned with our strong emphasis on communicating our research to farmers and vets, is well placed to help the industry adapt to these challenges. I very much look forward to working with colleagues and partners to maintain Moredun’s status as a global champion of animal health and welfare.”

Professor Julie Fitzpatrick was CEO from 2004-2023 and oversaw significant scientific advances and technologies that can be practically applied on the farm to improve the health and welfare of farm livestock.

Professor Julie Fitzpatrick said, “I am delighted that Dr Tom McNeilly will become the next Director and CEO at Moredun. Tom has a strong research track record and is keen both on commercialising outputs and ensuring the longstanding link between Moredun and the livestock sector is maintained and strengthened. I wish Tom the very best in what is an exciting and rewarding post.”

Sir Muir Russell, Chairman of Moredun Research Institute said, “For some years now, Dr Tom McNeilly.

Dr McNeilly has been one of the lynchpins of the research work of the Moredun Research Institute, winning vital research income and leading his

The Moredun Group are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Tom McNeilly as the new Scientific Director and CEO. Dr McNeilly, a qualified veterinary surgeon, is an immunologist and infectious disease biologist with expertise in ruminant immunology. He joined Moredun Research Institute in 2006 following the completion of his PhD at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Science, University of Edinburgh.

Over the years, Dr McNeilly’s work has involved the development of vaccines to control parasitic, viral and bacterial infections in both cattle and sheep, as well as providing an improved understanding of the immune basis of disease resistance.

Dr McNeilly has been a Head of Department at Moredun Research Institute

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Moredun Magazine | Autumn/Winter 2023

since 2016. He will take over from Professor

colleagues in the translation of research into

Julie Fitzpatrick who has successfully led the

practical results for the welfare and productivity of

organisation for nearly 20 years.

farm animals. He is ideally placed to take Moredun

Dr Tom McNeilly said, “I am excited and

Research Institute forward to new research

honoured to take on the role of Scientific Director

successes and to lead the Moredun Group in its

and CEO of the Moredun group from my colleague

UK-wide and worldwide mission. I look forward to

and mentor Prof. Julie Fitzpatrick. Since arriving

working with him in his new role.”

in 2006, I have seen the full breadth of work

Mr Gareth Baird, Chairman of the

performed at Moredun, and the value of our

Moredun Foundation said, “Dr McNeilly came

research to the livestock sector and in providing

through a very robust recruitment process with

a strong evidence base for the development of

flying colours. His passion and ambition for all

government policy.

things Moredun really impressed the selection panel

There are many challenges facing the livestock

and we were all absolutely delighted when

industry as it adapts to new biodiversity and Net

Dr McNeilly accepted the position. His commitment

Zero targets. However, improved animal health

to animal health and welfare is mirrored by his

will play a key role in addressing these challenges

determination to lead a successful and happy

by increasing food production efficiency and

team at Moredun and we are all looking forward

reducing drug treatments which can damage the

immensely to working with him in his new role.”

environment. As such, Moredun with its emphasis on the development of vaccines to prevent disease,

Dr McNeilly took up his new appointment at the end of September.

NEWS

Honorary Fellowships for Julie Fitzpatrick and Randolph Richards

Professor Julie Fitzpatrick (middle left) is presented with her honorary fellowship from her successor as Scientific Director of the Moredun Research Institute and Chief Executive of the Moredun Foundation, Dr Tom McNeilly (left). Professor Randolph Richards (right) receives his honorary fellowships from Mr Gareth Baird, Chairman of the Moredun Foundation (middle right).

The Moredun Foundation was delighted to award two honorary fellowships to Professor Julie Fitzpatrick and Professor Randolph Richards at its AGM held on Thursday 7th of September in recognition of their outstanding contributions.

Professor Fitzpatrick is world-renowned for her work to promote livestock health and welfare and to champion food security.

Professor Fitzpatrick also has a Chair in Food Security in the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences at the University of Glasgow and is currently the Chief Scientific Advisor to the Scottish Government.

Professor Fitzpatrick qualified as a veterinary surgeon from the University of Glasgow’s Vet School, gained a PhD in mucosal immunology from the University of Bristol, and has a master’s degree in Epidemiology through distance learning from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Professor Fitzpatrick’s work and significant achievements have been widely recognised through her numerous contributions to improving the health and welfare of livestock.

She received an OBE for services to Animal Research and Medicine in 2014, was awarded The Royal Smithfield Club Bicentenary Trophy for contributions to Agriculture in 2016, was awarded a Doctorate of Science from HeriotWatt University in 2013 and from Edinburgh Napier University in 2017, and an honorary Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery by the University of Edinburgh in 2023.

Professor Richards, a world-famous fish vet and Emeritus Professor at the Institute of Aquaculture at the University of Stirling, received a CBE for his outstanding work in 2008 and the Queen’s Medal in 2016.

Professor Richards is standing down from his role as Vice-Chairman of the Moredun Foundation, where he has made significant contributions to Moredun’s work to support the highest standards of health and welfare in animals through research and education.

Professor Richards served as Director of the Institute of Aquaculture from 1996 to 2009, and he currently serves on numerous veterinary committees and advisory groups as well as being a trustee and director of several companies and organisations. He has played a key role in the development of the Institute of Aquaculture, which in turn has made a major contribution to the economy of Scotland and greatly enhanced Scotland’s reputation throughout the world.

At the AGM, Gareth Baird, Chairman of the Moredun Foundation said, “It is a huge honour to recognise the contribution of two titans of the veterinary world who have been influential in the work of the Moredun Foundation. Their leadership and groundbreaking contributions to their respective fields have left an indelible mark on our mission to advance animal health and welfare.

In honouring these remarkable individuals, we reaffirm our commitment to continue their work and shaping a brighter and more sustainable future for all.”

Moredun Magazine | Autumn/Winter 2023

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News Farewell to Julie...

It doesn’t seem almost 20 years ago when I was appointed the Director of the Moredun Research Institute and CEO of the Moredun Group.

I took over the role from my good friend and colleague, Quintin McKellar; we both studied at Glasgow Vet School in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and Quintin was one year ahead of me. I remember sitting in the Director’s office on my first, and only quiet, day that I can remember. I took out the book which described Moredun’s origins as the Animal Diseases Research Association (ADRA) in 1920.

The text described the bold move of Scottish farmers to hire veterinary scientists to find out the cause of the diseases which were inflicting illness and death in their sheep flocks – namely those caused by Clostridial bacteria.

Research in the following decades focused on mineral deficiencies, milk fever and scrapie, in addition to a plethora of viral, bacterial and parasitic diseases. The authors of the book also described the ups and downs of funding and the challenges of establishing a great Institute – which was achieved. One report, written after the first 25 years of research activities, stated that success of Moredun had been achieved “By Perseverance”.

My first year as Director was busy and interesting. It was the time that many organisations were being encouraged to merge to form larger structures with universities which were keen to acquire farms and facilities to increase their capacity. My view, and that of our excellent Chairmen at the time, John Ross and John Jeffrey, maintained that Moredun was best placed to remain open to collaborations with all universities across Scotland and further afield, and to focus on independent research and development in our farmer-owned and governed organisation.

Change was however always on the horizon, with Moredun no longer classed as a Non-departmental Public Body (NDPB), instead moving to bidding for research programmes of work which were closely linked to policy determined by the funders, the Scottish Government. Moredun’s research pivoted from scientific discipline-

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Moredun Magazine | Autumn/Winter 2023

Julie on her last day at Moredun.

based structures to one which clearly linked research outputs to outcome and impact, and the Research Pillars were created – Vaccines, Diagnostic Tests and Disease Control Programmes. This was an approach to “do what it says on the tin” and to clearly differentiate the Institute from other providers of research in Scotland. I am very proud of the innovative research and development that Moredun scientists have achieved in these areas: for example, producing the world first vaccine for a nematode gut worm of sheep, “Barbervax”, developing a PCR test to detect multiple pathogens causing respiratory disease in cattle, and ‘One Health’ approaches to disease control, anti-microbial resistance.

Moredun’s success has always been to

focus on excellent quality research, combined with broadening research income streams and a strong commitment to Knowledge Exchange. Support of Moredun’s strategic research by the Scottish Government has been the cornerstone of the organisation and has allowed the Institute to become internationally recognised as a centre of excellence, delivering tangible benefits to livestock and wildlife in many countries and across all continents, except the Arctic! The Institute has also gained substantial income from UKRI, Horizon Europe, international levy boards and commercial animal health companies.

I have loved being able to represent and speak about Moredun’s research and

NEWS

development and have been fortunate to do so at many national and international conferences. I have also spoken from a livestock auction ring in Thainstone, and the back of a trailer at our Honorary President, John Cameron’s farm, Balbuthie, and on many farm walks in various parts of the world.

There have of course been some very challenging times during my Directorship, none more so than surviving the COVID-19 pandemic where we were, through collective effort, able to maintain all of our long-term experiments without loss. The pandemic also provided an opportunity for Moredun to establish the first veterinary laboratory, along with SRUC, to conduct PCR tests for COVID-19, while Moredun Scientific provided biosafety testing for a number of the commercial human vaccines against the disease.

It was an emotional day when I said farewell to the Moredun team at the end of September, however I remain a Moredun Foundation member and will always support the Institute in my future roles. I was delighted when Dr Tom McNeilly was appointed as the new Director and CEO. Tom and I first met when I taught him as a vet student at Glasgow Vet School and I am completely confident that he will do a great job.

My final words go back to the Animal Diseases Research Association book. I consider the success of Moredun is still “By Perseverance”, but also from “Passion of its people for livestock science and its contribution to society”.

.... And welcome to Tom I am delighted to take over as the new Director and CEO. My journey to this position started long ago as a young student at Glasgow Vet School with an interest in research. After taking a year out of my studies to complete an intercalated degree in Biochemistry, I finished my vet degree (incidentally having been taught by two Moredun directors – Julie Fitzpatrick and Quintin McKellar!) and started a four-year stint in mixed animal practice. This was a particularly informative time, solidifying my clinical skills and teaching me the importance of clear communication to clients and other colleagues. It also reawakened my interest in the causes of disease and the evidence upon which treatments decisions were based. This led me to embark on a career in research, which started initially with a PhD in maedivisna virus, a chronic and incurable viral disease of sheep at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Science in Edinburgh.

Tom has been a part of Moredun since 2005.

“I consider the success of Moredun is still “By Perseverance”, but also from “Passion of its people for livestock science and its contribution to society”.

Professor Julie Fitzpatrick

Looking to establish myself in the practical application of research, I was fortunate to take up a post-doctoral position at Moredun Research Institute in October 2005, focused on the development of vaccines to control E. coli O157 in cattle. I remember clearly thinking at the time that Moredun was the place to be for this research, with its unique expertise in livestock research and the ability to study disease in the target livestock species, and I have not changed this view over the last 18 years! Over time, with mentoring from Julie and others, including the late John Huntley, I have now moved from a post-doc, through to head of department and now director – something which would have been unbelievable to the young vet that arrived at Moredun back in 2005!

The livestock sector, and in particular cattle and sheep farming, is currently facing significant challenges. However, with challenges come opportunities and it is clear improved animal health plays a critical role through provision of new solutions to control diseases in our livestock, and importantly, communicating these to end-users. Indeed, with new technologies being developed, including advances in tissue culture models of disease, genomic technologies, and precision livestock tools, to name but a few, it is an exciting time to be involved in livestock disease research as these technologies open-up many areas of disease research which were previously impossible to do in farmed animals.

I have no doubt that Moredun scientists, working with farmers, vets, landowners, industry and other stakeholders, will enable the livestock sector to rise to these challenges.

I look forward to joining them on this journey.

Moredun Magazine | Autumn/Winter 2023

5

News BBSRC and Defra invest in zoonotic livestock disease research BBSRC and Defra have announced a £4 million investment into 10 innovative projects focused on international animal health research.

Moredun are delighted to be awarded funding for ‘Improved molecular surveillance and assessment of host adaptation and virulence of Coxiella burnetii in Europe’, led by CEO and Principal Investigator Dr Tom McNeilly The £4 million joint investment by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) will fund 10 transnational projects that:

• Develop novel vaccine and diagnostics

• Bovine tuberculosis (TB)

health and welfare.

• Coronavirus

• UK researchers will partner in nine of the 10 projects.

International collaboration The International Coordination of Research on infectious Animal Diseases (ICRAD) is funded by Horizon 2020. It brings together 21 partners from 17 countries to perform research to address infectious animal disease challenges.

Joint investment from European partners for this funding opportunity totals approximately €12.5 million.

With an overarching aim of improving

• Support cross-cutting research and innovation to better understand zoonoses focusing on the animal, human and environmental interface.

global animal and human health, this latest

James Stobo CBE, DL, FRAGS (1934-2023)

Many colleagues, past and present at Moredun were very sad to hear the news of the death of Jim Stobo who played a significant role within the Animal Diseases Research Association (ADRA) where he was the President from 1980 and also became the chairman of The Moredun Foundation. Jim’s involvement with Moredun covered a period of 32 years and he helped to oversee the move of the Institute from it’s original home on Gilmerton Road in Edinburgh to Pentlands Science Park in Midlothian.

investment will increase preparedness and improve our ability to respond to diseases such as:

Jim was born into a farming family and his parent’s farmed at Fishwick Mains in the Tweed valley where they farmed livestock.

Jim left school early to help take over the shepherding role on the farm and quickly

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Moredun Magazine | Autumn/Winter 2023

• Avian influenza

technology platforms to improve animal

Essential research The 10 projects receiving funding will: • Increase preparedness to (re)-emerging zoonotic diseases.

• Improve our ability to respond to zoonotic threats, thereby contributing towards improved animal and human health.

• Build our understanding of the (re)emergence of pathogens with zoonotic potential focusing on causes and factors that lead to spill-over and maintenance of pathogens.

• Build our understanding of animal hostpathogen interactions and the immune response.

• Develop novel or improved detection and prevention platforms.

built up an excellent reputation with the Border Leicester sheep and was winning prizes at the Royal Highland Show. He also established a herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle on the farm. He was an active member of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers and progressed to becoming the President of the National Farmers Union. Jim received an OBE in recognition for his contributions to the farming industry and had several connections through his work with members of the Royal Family. He was a trustee of Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother Castle of Mey Trust, where he provided advice about the herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle. Jim received a further honour with a CBE for services to agriculture and he was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Societies. He made an outstanding contribution to the livestock industry over his lifetime and gave significant support to the work of Moredun.

Moredun Scientific/News

Completed Streptococcus suis Vaccine Research Project Moredun Scientific, in collaboration with Swedish animal health company Intervacc AB, have successfully completed a four-year Eurostars funded research project on the development of a vaccine against Streptococcus suis infections in pigs.

In 2018, Moredun Scientific and Intervacc AB were granted funding to develop vaccine candidates to protect piglets against S. suis infections, under the Eurostars-2 programme, part of the European Union’s Horizon 2020 programme.

Streptococcus suis can cause severe infections in pig herds with severe economic impact on the pig industry; the pathogen can also affect humans. Conventional vaccines currently in use have shown limited effectiveness, failing to protect pig herds

against all strains of the pathogen. The project, “Vaccine Against Streptococcus suis Infections in Pigs”, aimed to create a transformative shift within the realm of pig vaccination.

The primary objective of this collaboration was to develop and validate disease challenge models employing key S. suis serotypes in piglets, thereby facilitating the evaluation of vaccine efficacy. Across the four-year timeline, the project accomplished three vaccine efficacy studies which conclusively demonstrated that vaccination of pregnant sows effectively protects piglets from S. suis infections. The research yielded valuable data concerning vaccine dosage and adjuvants for enhancing the immune response. Moreover, novel immunological reagents were developed to enable the analysis of porcine immune reactions and fostering an improved understanding of immune functionality.

As a result of the project, Moredun

Scientific successfully developed disease challenge models applicable for further S. suis studies. In addition, Intervacc AB completed patent filings related to the vaccine candidates.

Dr Andrew Waller, Chief Scientific Officer at Intervacc AB said: “We are very pleased with the outcomes of the Eurostars funded project which enabled us to progress the development of our novel S. suis vaccine and generate proof-ofconcept protective efficacy data in pigs.”

David Reddick, Head of Animal Health at Moredun Scientific commented: “Our collaboration with Intervacc has been very successful, the project supported the development of our porcine disease model portfolio and immunological tools to increase our understanding of the porcine immune response to vaccination.”

To learn more please contact us: info@moredun-scientific.com or visit our website: www.moredun-scientific.com

Meet our new Deputy Director and Department Heads Congratulations go to Professor Alasdair Nisbet on his promotion to Deputy Director of the Moredun Group, where he will be working closely with Dr Tom McNeilly as we begin work on our new five-year strategy.

We also congratulate Dr Stewart Burgess on his appointment as the new Head of Vaccines and Diagnostics group, and Dr Jo Moore as the new head of Disease Control for the Moredun Research Institute. Stew is most well-known for his groundbreaking work on the control and diagnosis of sheep scab, while Jo is a veterinary pathologist who previously worked for the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

Stewart Burgess.

Alasdair Nisbet.

Over the last 30 years, Al’s research focus has been on novel methods of controlling pests and parasites by understanding their interactions with the host in order to produce novel vaccines. He is Chief Scientific Officer of Wormvax Australia, a company which developed, manufacture and market the only commercially available vaccine to control a helminth parasite of sheep (Barbervax™).

Jo Moore.

Moredun Magazine | Autumn/Winter 2023

7

Research Moredun to Lead a £6M Collaborative Project to Develop a Novel Parasite Vaccine for Sheep Moredun Research Institute are leading an international, multiinstitutional partnership with the University of Glasgow and the University of New England, Australia, to develop an effective vaccine for on-farm worm control. The project also includes colleagues at the James Hutton Institute.

at more than AU$450 million each year.

of the partnership will significantly increase the

This inefficiency in production also impacts

chances of success.

greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture,

Professor Alasdair Nisbet, project lead

affecting our ability to reach Net Zero targets

from Moredun Research Institute, said: “We

unless we intervene.

are delighted to be able to lead this international

Chemical treatments are the mainstay of parasite control programs for nematode infections, but resistance to these treatments severely undermines control options onfarm in many areas of the world. To allow

Parasitism by gastrointestinal nematodes (parasitic worms which live in the gut) has a major impact on animal production worldwide. Nematode infections of sheep negatively affect health and welfare outcomes for infected animals. The cost of parasitism in the UK is estimated at approximately £4 per lamb through reduced weight gain and treatment costs. The total cost to the Australian sheep and goat industry is estimated

a sustainable future for sheep farming, vaccines need to be developed. Although much progress is being achieved in this area, much of it funded by significant investment

team to develop our nematode vaccine technology further and push towards a commercial product to help control this major issue in the sheep industry in the UK and beyond.”

This project is co-funded by each of the partners with matched funding from the Australian Federal Government through the Meat & Livestock Australia Donor Company

from the Scottish Government, UKRI and

to a total value of just over £6M (AU$ 11M)

others, development of a commercial worm

over 5 years. More than half of the budget

vaccine is a long-term project. However, by

will come to the Scottish partners, with

combining their expertise in parasitology,

the intention to develop a commercially

immunology, and vaccine formulation, along

exploitable vaccine against the main

with recent technological advances, the work

gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep globally.

Louping Ill Vaccine Update (June 2023) The vaccination and challenge trials, kindly funded by grouse moor owners, for the new generation Louping Ill Virus (LIV) vaccine are now complete and the results analysed.

that we have an animal health company we are working with who are interested in taking the vaccine forward.

The sales figures (based on previous sales of the MSD LIV vaccine) are low, but the cost of bringing any vaccine to market is high, due to the regulatory requirements for veterinary

The results confirmed that the vaccine raised

medicines, so this may require a funding model

a very strong immune response (antibodies

to allow progress.

against LIV) in the vaccinated sheep, protected

Limited Market Authorisation (LMA), which

signs recorded) and the pathology results

replaces the former EU Minor Use Minor

confirmed that the virus did not enter

Species regulations and should be a quicker,

the brain.

simpler and cheaper option to obtain

The very good news is that we have a prototype vaccine showing efficacy that can go forward to further development and commercialisation.

8

It will also rely on us being able to establish

them when challenged with LIV (no clinical

regulatory approval to sell the LIV vaccine product.

We have recently attended a meeting with

it has been agreed that Moredun, along with our potential partners, will complete an application for the LIV vaccine to be classified as a LMA product.

However Post-Brexit, the process for registration remains unclear (as UK legislation has not yet defined the regulatory process) which is likely to lead to delays in the further development and commercialisation of the LIV vaccine.

Please rest assured that we fully understand the urgent need for this vaccine and, despite the commercialisation challenges, are fully committed to seeing this vaccine available to all who require it.

the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD)

After lots of approaches to potential

who control the legislative process to bring

For further details, please contact Beth Wells:

vaccine manufacturers, we are delighted to say

veterinary medicines to market in the UK and

beth.wells@moredun.ac.uk

Moredun Magazine | Autumn/Winter 2023

RESEARCH

Moredun Awarded Grant to Develop New Vaccines for Bovine Respiratory Disease Photo: © Daniel Quiceno M on Unsplash

Moredun Research Institute, in collaboration with French animal health company Ceva Sante Animale (Ceva), have been awarded £900,000 (80% funded) to develop new vaccines that target the viruses and bacteria responsible for bovine respiratory disease (BRD).

This marks the second round of a £11.5M initiative from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), and the Scottish Government to transform the UK livestock sector by reducing the burden of endemic diseases on animal health, welfare, and productivity.

Developed in consultation with academia, industry and policy makers, the endemic livestock disease initiative focuses on fostering collaborative research between academia, industry, and end-users. The goal is to deliver innovative on-farm solutions that will effectively mitigate the impact of endemic diseases on the UK livestock sector.

Sometimes known as bovine pneumonia, BRD is a multi-factorial disease affecting

mainly young stock in the first year of life and is considered to have among the highest economic impacts of any infectious condition of cattle. The team from Moredun and Ceva are testing virus-based vaccine vectors, engineered to deliver antigens from the viruses and bacteria that cause BRD. The vaccine vectors are designed to induce a rapid antibody response following vaccination to protect cattle from disease resulting from infection. The critical advantage is that the viruses and bacteria are not involved in the production of the vaccine. The ability of novel virus vector systems to induce antibodies against these important cattle pathogens will be tested, having already been proven to be completely safe and very effective in previous studies.

The project, titled “Next generation vaccines for bovine respiratory disease complex utilising virus vaccine vectors to target both bacterial and viral pathogens” is one of 14 successful projects for this second round of funding.

Dr. William Golde, Principal Investigator at Moredun said: “This award allows us to expand our ongoing work with Ceva to create and analyse next generation vaccines for BRD using our virus-based vaccine vectors to deliver vaccine payloads. Developed over a number of years at

Moredun, these vaccine vectors address a critical part of the funding call, that the technology be “plug-and-play”. That is, if a new viral pathogen or a new strain of a known virus emerges, vaccines to address this new threat can be rapidly generated and tested for efficacy by replacing antigens from the old virus with those from the new strain. Once we demonstrate immunogenicity of these new vectored BRD vaccines, we will be able to switch to targeting new emerging strains of these viral pathogens very rapidly.”

Dr. Edouard Timsit, Head of Global Innovation Livestock Health and Sustainability at Ceva, said: “This public-private grant award will further strengthen our partnership with Moredun Research Institute. Our collaboration will foster innovation towards superior vaccines against bovine pneumonia; a disease that still severely impedes wellbeing of cattle and economics sustainability of farms in the UK and beyond.”

UK Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss, said: “The UK remains committed to working collaboratively with farmers to overcome infectious animal disease. I welcome the second phase of this exciting research initiative.

This funding brings together farmers, vets and researchers to develop and test new solutions to some of our most serious animal health challenges on farm, making a real difference to the health and wellbeing of the UK’s livestock.”

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Out and About Dr Chris Cousens awarded the NSA Scotland Silver Salver 2023 Congratulations to Dr Chris Cousens who has been presented with the National Sheep Association (NSA) Scotland Silver Salver 2023, for her tireless research work on Ovine Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma (OPA, also known as Jaagsiekte) and acknowledging an outstanding contribution to the Scottish sheep industry.

Chris was presented with the award by NSA Scottish Region Chair Peter Myles at the Royal Highland Show. Her work has played a pivotal role in controlling OPA, an infectious and fatal lung disease of sheep.

Through her work with the Institute Chris has been involved with all aspects of this disease from detailed molecular biology in the laboratory through to on-farm studies.

She has almost 50 peer reviewed scientific papers on OPA as well as many pieces written for farmers and/or vets. She has also been a driving force behind the Scottish Government funding of a nationwide pilot on OPA and should be commended on her patience and unwavering support.

Chris says: “I was surprised and honoured to be presented with the NSA Silver Salver. This is the first trophy I have ever won without a pony being involved! How nice to be recognised for my day job as a scientist at Moredun after so many

Chris Cousens received her reward at the Royal Highland Show.

years and so many challenges in our research to try to control OPA. Research, like everything else, cannot be done without a dedicated team of workers and supporters, therefore, I thank my colleagues, collaborators, the farmers that work with us, and also the funders of our research. Also, a special mention to Phil Scott FRCVS who not only instigated the ultrasound screening work but who has been doing all the hard graft scanning thousands of sheep. I am so happy that these days

there are positive options for dealing with OPA.” Over the years, building collaborations with other researchers, vets, and with farmers has been essential to gaining funding and moving the work forward. Whilst the OPA problem is not entirely solved, considerable progress has been made in understanding the disease and also, through ultrasound screening for OPA, in moving towards control options for affected flocks and potentially an accreditation-type scheme for flocks that are happily free of OPA. Chris and her colleagues have been instrumental in this work contributing much towards the development of novel strategies for the diagnosis and control of the disease.

Professor Julie Fitzpatrick adds: “We are delighted the research conducted by Chris and her team has opened up new possibilities to tackle OPA and that this long term research effort has been recognised by the NSA.” NSA Scottish Region Chair Peter Myles says: “We are delighted to give this year’s Silver Salver to Dr Chris Cousens. We at NSA work closely with the Moredun family. It’s important the unsung heroes – the scientists like Chris get recognised for everything they do to benefit our sheep industry.

I was very proud to present her with this prestigious award.”

RHASS Announces Winners of 2023 Technical Innovation Awards Congratulations to Dr Lynsey Melville and Eilidh Geddes, of the Moredun Research Institute, who were awarded a Commendation for their FEC Check programme at the RHASS 2023 Technical Innovation Awards.

Sustainable control of roundworms is a challenge for the sheep industry, particularly with advancing drug resistance and climate change, and targeted application of effective drugs at optimal times is critical for continued production efficiency. This is achieved using faecal egg count (FEC) testing.

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FEC Check assists farmers and those who don’t have access to advisors on how to interpret complex FEC results. Its use improves the sustainability of roundworm control and reduces inappropriate chemical usage.

There have been two Gold, four Silver and three Certificates of Commendations awarded in the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) 2023 round of winners in its influential Technical Innovation Awards. https://app.moredun.org.uk/fec

OUT AND ABOUT

Equine Grass Sickness Fund We have had a fabulous summer of fundraising activity, with many fundraising events held across the UK. Here are some of the highlights: Our anatomical horse, Gut Feeling (Norris to his friends), donated to us by Norbrook, made his first appearance at the Royal Highland Show. He proved to be a popular attraction, with many supporters dropping in to meet him. We were delighted that so many visitors

to the stand were visiting specifically to ask questions about the disease, and will be working hard to upgrade the knowledge exchange element of the stand ready for next season.

A particular highlight was an unexpected visit from our patron HRH Princess Anne, who stopped for a chat about research progress, and nursing chronic cases with Jen McLellan of the Royal (Dick) Vet.

Norris then made his way up to Blair Castle Horse Trials, where he took pride of place on the British Horse Society stand, in recognition of their generosity in funding the EGS Biobank.

From there he travelled over the Cairngorms to World Horse Welfare Belwade Farm, who have played a huge part in our longitudinal studies, contributing to our research progress.

Photo: © Ditte Solgaard Dunn

HRH Princess Anne with Kate Thomson, EGSF Administrator at the Royal Highland Show.

Norris and some of his fans with the British Horse Society at Blair Castle International Horse Trials.

Great Glen Way.

Liver fluke study on Islay Moredun scientists, Dr Philip Skuce and Gillian Mitchell were delighted to be asked by Matt Colston, a veterinary specialist with Elanco Animal Health and a former Moredun Regional Chair, to help with a liver fluke study on the Isle of Islay, the southernmost of the Inner Hebrides islands. Islay is typical of the West of Scotland, with plenty of rough grazing and a lovely mild wet climate that favours the mud snail intermediate host of the liver fluke. As a result, farmers on Islay, and mainland Argyll, have had issues with liver fluke in their stock over many years. Routine treatment with the frontline flukicide, triclabendazole, at set times of the year, has been the mainstay of liver fluke control on the island, but this is proving to be unsustainable in the face of changing seasonal patterns of fluke infection and emerging resistance to triclabendazole.

The farm where we focused our efforts was Kinnabus on the beautiful Oa Peninsula, overlooking the coast of Northern Ireland.

Kinnabus is managed by the RSPB in order to protect a small population of red-billed chough, which are unique to the Western Isles.

It is important that the site is grazed by cattle

and sheep as the chough’s main food source is dung beetle larvae, and without grazing livestock, there isn’t any dung! That said, the routine treatment of those livestock for fluke had been shown to have a detrimental impact on the dung beetles and other dung and soil fauna that are key to a healthy farm ecosystem. Farm manager, Stuart Lamont and RSPB Warden, David Wood were keen to optimise their fluke treatment regime and treat ‘as little as possible, but as much as necessary’.

In order to help with this, we conducted monthly faecal egg counts on composite samples from different management groups on the farm, starting in August. There are other arguably better diagnostic tests available for fluke e.g. blood test, coproantigen ELISA, but these are relatively expensive, as they work best on individual animals. We were really looking for a relatively cheap entry-level test that would help us confirm when fluke was present in Stuart’s animals, to help with treatment timing and product choice and to confirm that any treatment had worked. As we have also seen on mainland Argyll, fluke

eggs didn’t really appear until well into the winter, several months later than we might traditionally have expected to see them. We were also able to confirm that the fluke on Kinnabus were still resistant to triclabendazole, several years after the initial report, and so could advise on a better alternative.

This study has shown that, with a bit of simple testing, it is possible to better understand what’s happening with fluke onfarm, and to make informed decisions about if/when to treat, what product to use and whether it worked or not! As a result, Stuart and David were better able to sustainably manage Kinnabus, a win-win for the livestock, the chough and the environment.

We were delighted that the study was selected to feature at the Royal Highland Show RHASS President’s Initiative, ‘The Science behind our Food’, and also featured in a recent episode of SAC’s Farm Advisory Service FASTV series. The only disappointing aspect from our point of view is that we didn’t actually get across to Islay to sample the animals (or any of the island’s other produce!).

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Out and About Royal Highland Show 22nd -25th June 2023 The Royal Highland Show 2023 was one of the busiest in the Moredun marquee that we can remember.

As well as our discussions with stakeholders, including farmers, vets and industry, we held numerous meetings with many of our farmer members, research collaborators and industry colleagues, including the National Beef Association. We also hosted visits from our Patron HRH The Princess Royal, and government and policy colleagues, including MP John Lamont, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at Office of the Secretary of State Scotland for the UK Government.

Our wine reception was held on the Friday afternoon of the show and was very well attended, as always providing a great opportunity for conversations on livestock issues, policy interests, catching up with collaborators and forming new ones.

The Moredun Mobile Laboratory was also at the show handily situated across the lane from the marquee with a great ringside position. This year we collaborated with industry colleagues on Thursday and Friday to illustrate best practice control for the common ectoparasites of sheep. This focused on getting

L to R: Sir Muir Russell (Chairman of Moredun Research Institute), Gareth Baird (Chairman of the Moredun Foundation), Minister John Lamont (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland, UK Government), Professor Julie Fitzpatrick (outgoing CEO of the Moredun Group) and Dr Tom McNeilly (incoming CEO of the Moredun Group).

fantastic display of hands-on activities for children and families with Disease Detectives.

This education activity allows children to try out different diagnostic tests to find out more about viruses, bacteria and parasites. We also showcased a new VR programme that allowed visitors to get up close and personal with a 3D organoid!

Stephen Chiweshe encouraging our future ‘Disease Detectives’!

‘A Land of Parasites’, painted by PhD student Eilidh Geddes, stood pride-of-place outside of the Moredun marquee.

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the diagnosis right so THE right chemical could be selected for the parasite in question, using the right applicators, at the right dosage rate, in the right environmental conditions. This display was welcomed by many, as these are the main reasons for prevention or treatment failure of ectoparasites.

The Moredun Education team were very busy over the show weekend, putting on a

Marc Faber and his VR organoids were a big hit!

SPOTLIGHT

Meet Moredun’s newest recruits Andrew Kelloe

Michelle McNab

Hannah Peaty

Knowledge Exchange and Communications Manager

Research Scientist

PhD Student

What is your job role?

What is your job role?

What is your job role?

My role at Moredun is the Knowledge Exchange and Communications Manager.

The purpose of my role is to manage the Communications team and to collaborate with Moredun scientists to ensure their work is used as much as possible by Moredun members, the wider farming community and policy. Knowledge Exchange is a twoway street so this means talking with both groups, maintaining strong partnerships, and finding ways to develop solutions to common challenges that are timely and relevant.

My role is within the OPA virology group, focusing on two endemic sheep viruses, Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) and the tick borne Louping-ill virus (LIV). Recently I have been involved in making a new possible vaccine system for LIV and I am currently trying to develop new diagnostic test for detection of both of these viruses using CRISPR technology.

Around a year ago I started my PhD at the Moredun Research Institute in partnership with the Roslin Institute. My project looks at the interactions between the host and parasitic gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep.

Currently, I’m studying extracellular vesicles secreted by nematodes – small, spherical structures that contain proteins, lipids and genetic material, which are known to have an effect on the immune response and cellular functions of the host organism. Once properly characterised, they will be combined with abomasum organoids (‘mini-guts’) to see how they interact with each other.

If you could live in any fictional place from TV/Film/Books, where would it be and why?

I appreciate this is very niche, but it might be fun to live in the town of Twin Peaks from the 1990s TV show of the same name. The town is surrounded by picturesque forests and mountains and, as someone who likes being outdoors, this is ideal for me. It’s a place with small-town charm and quirky people living there. The spooky goings-on are not ideal but will certainly keep things interesting.

If you could live in any fictional place from TV/Film/Books, where would it be and why?

I’d like to live in the fictional Essex town of Danebury in Essex, where I’d pace away the hours with Detectorists Lance and Andy in search of gold (and my most common find, tent pegs).

If you could live in any fictional place from TV/Film/Books, where would it be and why?

Probably the Faraway tree, it was one of my favourite book series when I was younger and there would be plenty of lands to explore.

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