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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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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.