News
Moredun welcomes Dr Valentina Busin as new Head of Virus Surveillance Unit
The Moredun Group is delighted to welcome back another familiar face, Dr Valentina Busin has returned to Moredun as Head of Virus Surveillance Unit (VSU).
Valentina is a farm animal veterinarian, specialising in small ruminant medicine and management. After graduating in 2007 from the University of Turin, Italy, she moved to Scotland and spent few years in mixed and farm animal practice, before following her passion for sheep and goats and obtaining the Diploma for the European College of Small Ruminant Health Management in 2014.
MI:RNA secures funding for AI tool to diagnose osteoarthritis earlier in dogs
Veterinary diagnostics company, MI:RNA, has secured funding from Scottish Enterprise to support its research and development project to create a simple, non-invasive test that uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) and a type of biological marker (an indicator of biological conditions), called microRNA, to help diagnose diseases to offer more accurate, accessible, and cost-effective methods of early detection of OA in dogs.
AI tools show promise for veterinary diagnosis
AI tools can support vets in diagnosing disease, research has shown.
A computer model has been trained to recognise a common disease in dogs with an encouraging success rate, underscoring its potential as a veterinary tool.
The approach supports the use of AI for relatively straightforward tasks, to allow vets to concentrate on more complex tasks, according to the team behind the study.
TV Supervet charity backs new human-canine cancer research plan
Scientists in Scotland are leading new work on an aggressive cancer that behaves almost identically across species.
A new study, whose backers hope could herald major advances in cancer treatment for dogs and humans, is being launched today (17 September).
Source: Vet Times
Director focuses on animal welfare as strategic priority
Dr Rebecca Doyle, newly appointed Director of the Animal Welfare Centre within the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, aims to work with colleagues across the School to further embed animal welfare teaching and practice.
The new Director, who joined the University of Edinburgh in 2021, held the post of Deputy Director of the Animal Welfare Centre until recently being named Interim Director, before being appointed to her current post.
SRUC Veterinary Services Introduces Enhanced Brachyspira PCR Test
SRUC Veterinary Services is pleased to announce an important update to our diagnostic capabilities: a new and improved real-time PCR test for Brachyspira, launching in late July/early August 2025.
This test replaces the long-standing 23s RNA PCR method and brings a host of benefits to veterinary diagnostics, particularly in swine and avian health.
Scottish scientists to lead world's first study on antibiotic resistance in pets
A team of scientists in the Highlands is set to lead the world’s first nationwide study into antibiotic resistance in cats and dogs. Based in Inverness, the research group from Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) will work with the UK Government’s Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) to launch a new surveillance programme aimed at detecting antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in healthy
Source: STV
Scottish Government Announce Match Funding to Support Moredun’s Louping Ill Vaccine: Industry Backing Needed
The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi Gougeon, announced that the Scottish Government will provide match-funding of up to £100,000 to support the development of a new vaccine against Louping Ill — a serious tick-borne viral disease affecting sheep. The announcement was made during the Moredun Foundation reception at the Royal Highland Show.
Research events mark Moredun and Roslin partnership
Themed talks, discussion and guest lecture launch next phase of collaboration between neighbouring organisations within Midlothian Science Zone.
A programme of research-themed events has marked a new phase in a strategic collaboration between the University of Edinburgh and Moredun Research Institute.
Experts explore new marine protein to enhance poultry feed
A group of industry professionals is exploring a fishmeal alternative derived from marine sources to evaluate potential benefits for gut health and growth performance in meat chickens.
The Innovate UK initiative, ‘Farmed Marine Proteins for Poultry Feed’, assessed the viability of using Artemeal – a protein product made from artemia – as a novel replacement for fishmeal in the diets of young broilers. The aim was to monitor health outcomes, optimise growth and reduce environmental impact.