HRH The Princess Royal Visits Moredun Research Institute to Learn About Emerging Livestock Diseases Linked to Climate Change
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited the Moredun Research Institute on Thursday 30th October 2025 to learn about emerging livestock disease challenges linked to climate change and to meet researchers working to protect animal health in Scotland.
The visit coincided with an event on Livestock Infectious Diseases in a Changing Climate, exploring how changing weather patterns and shifting ecosystems are bringing new disease threats to UK livestock farming.
Before Her Royal Highness’s arrival, delegates attended a discussion panel addressing the preparedness, surveillance, and scientific response needed to manage these evolving risks.
Government Policy & Preparedness Overview
Dr Sheila Voas, Scottish Chief Veterinary Officer, outlined the Scottish Government’s role in disease management and policy coordination.
Surveillance & Detection Challenges
Dr Alan Murphy emphasised gaps in disease surveillance systems that limit early detection.
Dr Piet van Rijn shared the Dutch experience of recent bluetongue virus outbreaks:
2006: BTV8 outbreak, with over 100,000 samples tested across five years.
2023: BTV3 outbreak causing more than 3,000 cases and high mortality rates.
2024: BTV12 identified, with seven of ten genome segments traced to Israel.
Despite extensive investigation, routes of virus introduction remain uncertain. Promising progress has been made on DIVA vaccines, which can distinguish vaccinated from infected animals.
Scientific Presentations
Her Royal Highness heard presentations from Moredun scientists on three major research areas highlighting the Institute’s ongoing work to anticipate and combat livestock diseases affected by climate change.
A New Vaccine for Louping Ill — Dr David Griffiths and Dr Beth Wells, Moredun Research Institute
Researchers presented advances in developing a new-generation vaccine against Louping Ill Virus (LIV), a serious tick-borne disease that can devastate sheep flocks and red grouse populations. The vaccine is based on non-infectious “virus-like particles” offering a safer production process and strong protective immunity. Moredun is working with its commercial partner Kernfarm through a three-phase development plan, supported by industry and government pledges.
Haemonchosis – An Increasing Threat to UK Sheep Farmers — Prof Alasdair Nisbet, Moredun Research Institute
This presentation focused on the Barber’s pole worm (Haemonchus contortus), a blood-feeding parasite of the abomasum that poses growing problems for UK sheep farmers. Factors such as warmer winters and wet summers are allowing the parasite to thrive in new areas. Prof Nisbet outlined Moredun’s research into sustainable control options, including vaccines building on successful international examples like Barbervax® and Wirevax®.
The Importance of Veterinary Disease Surveillance — Dr Valentina Busin, Moredun Research Institute
Dr Busin reflected on past and recent examples of disease outbreaks, including foot-and-mouth disease (2001 and 2025), Schmallenberg (2011), and bluetongue (2024), to emphasise the critical importance of coordinated veterinary surveillance in detecting emerging threats early and supporting national preparedness.
Laboratory Demonstrations and Research Showcases
Following the scientific presentations, Her Royal Highness toured Moredun’s laboratories and met with early-career researchers, post-graduate students, and industry representatives.
Ultrasound Scanning
Dr Thomas Tzelos, Moredun – Bovine Respiratory Disease
Dr Chris Cousens, Moredun – Ovine Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma
Lateral Flow Diagnostic Development
Dr Holly Hill, Moredun – Rapid test for Chlamydia
Dr Stewart Burgess, Moredun – Rapid test for Sheep Scab
Johne’s Disease Research
During a second laboratory tour, Her Royal Highness was introduced by Charlotte Winspear to researchers Rachel Richardson and Valerie Hughes from Moredun and Dr Eulyn Pagaling from The James Hutton Institute, who demonstrated collaborative work to better understand and control Johne’s disease.
Building Resilience Through Science and Collaboration
The visit highlighted the importance of proactive, science-based solutions to safeguard livestock health in a changing climate.
Key recommendations from the event included:
Strengthening the “One Health” approach linking animal and human disease surveillance.
Improving communication and vaccine messaging across the supply chain.
Investing in faster, broader-spectrum vaccine technologies.
Expanding post-mortem surveillance and data sharing with private vets.
Supporting farmers through practical, evidence-based management tools.
Through continued collaboration between government, researchers, and industry, Scotland is well positioned to stay ahead of emerging livestock disease challenges and to protect animal health, rural livelihoods, and national food security.
For further information, please contact:
The Moredun Group
Pentlands Science Park
Bush Loan, Penicuik
Midlothian, EH26 0PZ
Park Manager: Linda Yuill
T: +44 (0)131 445 5111
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