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Moredun Foundation celebrates 100 years of disease research
Moredun focusses its research on infectious diseases of livestock and wildlife.

The organisation started in 1920 as the Animal Diseases Research Association

The Moredun Research Foundation marked a historic milestone on Tuesday (17 March) when it celebrated its 100th anniversary. 

Located on the outskirts of Edinburgh, the institute is dedicated to promoting the highest standard of animal health and welfare through research and education. It was set up by a committee of farmers in 1920, and has since developed many of the diagnostic tests, vaccines and disease prevention and control strategies used on farm today.

“Moredun focusses its research on infectious diseases of livestock and wildlife species, especially those which are endemic, or common, diseases which adversely affect the efficiency of production and animal welfare,” said Professor Julie Fitzpatrick, CEO of the Moredun Group.

“The organisation has developed scientific expertise in studying the viruses, bacteria and parasites that cause disease and the animal species they infect. We are proud of our long history of delivering practical tools and solutions to ensure safe, high-quality food from livestock and look forward to continuing our important work”.

Started in 1920 as the Animal Diseases Research Association, the initial objectives of the organisation were to “research infectious diseases of livestock and to apply available knowledge to farm practice”.

The ethos of the Foundation is to apply innovative science to develop solutions to control infectious diseases and to ensure that any advances in new technologies and knowledge are communicated effectively with those that can benefit from them.


Ian Duncan Millar, chairman of the Moredun Foundation, added: “It was on this day, 17th March 1920, exactly 100 years ago that a public meeting was held in the chambers of the Royal Agricultural Society of Scotland and the Animal Disease Research Association was formed.

“One of the tenets of the new Association was to “…be in a favourable position to influence stock owners and in this matter science has scarcely penetrated farm practice. It will be an essential part of the organisation to bridge the gap between research workers and farmers”.

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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.