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Scotland's Roslin Institute awarded £10m
Research funding to boost livestock industry

The Roslin Institute in Midlothian has been granted £10 million by the government to improve livestock research.

The funding will help the institute keep Scotland at the forefront of international livestock research, after it cloned the first ever mammal from an adult cell, Dolly the sheep, seven years ago.

Developments for a new National Avian Research Facility already taking place at the University of Edinburgh's Easter Bush campus will be complemented by the investment.

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said the institute benefits farmers both at home and abroad.

"Attracting capital funding for new infrastructure and creating employment opportunities in Midlothian is a key objective of the Easter Bush Research Consortium, of which the Roslin Institute is a part," he said.

"This investment should benefit all members of the consortium and will help to create a fantastic resource for Scotland and the world."

Michael Russell, cabinet secretary for education, made the announcement.

He said: "Scotland has great strength and expertise across many research fields and the Roslin Institute is leading the way in the animal health sector. We want to build on existing excellence to develop our reputation in research and maximise the benefits for our economy.

"By investing in our research and development capacity, we will help sustain and improve Scotland’s livestock industry while leading efforts to relieve poverty in developing countries. It will position Scotland at the forefront of animal science research across the globe."

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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.