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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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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.