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University announces £10m investment in animal science
The deal will bring to market new veterinary vaccines and tools for diagnosing diseases that affect farmed animals.

Deal will bring new veterinary vaccines to market

The University of Edinburgh has secured an investment of £10 million to bring animal science innovations to market.

The investment in a new company, Roslin Technologies, will develop business opportunities arising from research from the University of Edinburgh’s Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.

The deal will enable researchers to explore the commercial potential of technologies that enable low-cost manufacturing of new medicines using chicken eggs.

It will also bring to market new veterinary vaccines and tools for diagnosing diseases that affect farmed animals.

“This investment recognises the strength of the University’s innovation capacity and cements our position as one of the world’s leading research-intensive universities,” said Sir Timothy O’Shea, principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Edinburgh.

Professor Bruce Whitelaw, interim director of The Roslin Institute, added: “The Roslin Institute is internationally recognised for providing a strategic research base for large animal genetics and health science within the UK.

“Having pioneered the commercialisation of animal biotechnology for three decades, the establishment of Roslin Technologies now provides an exciting platform to accelerate the translation of Roslin’s data-driven innovations into the commercial sector.”

Roslin Technologies Ltd is thought to be the largest agriculture biotechnology start-up in UK history to focus on research projects aimed at improving animal health and raising agricultural productivity.

The company is a collaboration between the University, private equity advisors JB Equity and the British Innovation Fund, a newly-formed fund that invests in leading innovation venture funds and companies from British universities.

Image (C) University of Edinburgh

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.