Issue 30 Spring 2009
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Moredun Research Undergoes Major External Review Some of Moredun Research Institute’s principal research projects underwent a major review in November 2008 with very positive initial feedback. A panel of experts spent three days at Moredun listening to presentations and talking to Moredun scientists and their collaborators from partner organisations about the progress that was being made in the Scottish Government funded programme looking at animal health, welfare, breeding and sustainable animal production. The Scottish Government has provided essential funding for the Moredun Research Institute (MRI) over many years and currently funds roughly half of the research conducted at Moredun. Just over £6 million a year funds the MRI portion of a specific policy focused programme of collaborative research between Moredun, SAC and Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland (BioSS). Moredun leads a programme of research that investigates viral, bacterial and parasitic endemic diseases of livestock.
The programme also includes research into livestock welfare, breeding, product quality and sustainability. As this five year funded programme of work began in 2006, each it underwent a ‘midprogramme review’ in November 2008 to assess whether progress towards the programme objectives was or would be achieved before the programme ended in 2011. The Scottish Government also requested that Moredun and its partners ensure that the research they conduct has relevance to three cross cutting themes: responding to climate change, protecting biodiversity and the environmental, social and economic sustainability of Scotland, and this was also assessed by the review panel in November. Programme leader, Professor Willie Donachie, Deputy Director of Moredun, was very happy with the contribution that Moredun and its partners have made to the programme. He commented, “Moredun is extremely grateful for the support that the Scottish Government has given the Research institute over the years. Although we do not have a final
report from the review panel at the moment, the initial feedback we have received on the science, policy relevance and contribution to the three cross cutting themes has been extremely positive.”
In this Issue Vaccine Oportunities Identified ………………… 2 Neospora Update ……… 3 Quicker Diagnosis for E. Coli .........…………….... 5 A Tale of Two Squirrels
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Forthcoming Events ….. 6 Moredun Staff Changes 7
Editor’s Coments This is the time of year when a lot of our members are either in or looking forward to a busy lambing season but hopefully all members can spend some time reading through the contents of this issue of MFM. Commercialisation of research findings is never easy with many barriers and obstacles to overcome before the potential product gets to market. To address some of these problems Moredun intends to form a new vaccine company. This company will support vaccine projects which have identified a candidate but need specialised expertise. Parasites are to the fore in this issue and there are informative articles on the European collaborative PARASOL Project and on the cattle abortion agent, Neospora. We are very pleased to highlight new Professorial positions for Jacqui Mathews and Gary Entrican and as recognition for many years of service to veterinary science and the livestock industry, a Queen’s New Year Honour for a former colleague, David Henderson. We had a very busy time in the autumn with all the roadshows and we have included a report on what was discussed with the hope that you will feel encouraged to attend this year’s offering when they come around. Last but not least is my reminder that we depend on support from our members and the public to achieve our charitable aims. Subscriptions, merchandise sales and donations are crucial to our existence so escape from the pressures and have a look at the web site shop for some retail therapy.
War Against Worms Continues Moredun scientists organised a conference in February to mark the end of a three year EU funded project to study anthelminitic resistance in parasitic gut worms. The PARAsite SOLutions project (PARASOL) looked at ways to develop low input and sustainable strategies for controlling gastrointestinal infections in ruminants. Anthelmintic resistance in parasitic stomach worm populations is a major problem in small ruminants (and threatens the sustainability of many production systems throughout the world). It is highly unlikely that these parasites can ever be eradicated therefore animal producers must learn to ‘live with worms’. Moredun was one of the 12 research partners from the eight European countries and three African countries that contributed to the project. Over 50 delegates attended the event, which allowed the collaborators to finalise the recommendations and compile a report, which will shortly be presented to the EU and publicised through the parasol website (www.parasol-project.org) and the press to farmers and vets throughout Europe. 2
Professor Willie Donachie Deputy Director of Moredun
Vaccine development at Moredun – new report identifies opportunities A new report has highlighted a huge opportunity for the future development of a number of new vaccines at Moredun. The report was commissioned by Moredun to help it identify ways to maximise the fruits of it’s research and turn potential animal health products into commercial reality. Moredun has a very strong history of applied research and in translating its research into practical outputs
such as diagnostic tests and products like Pasteurella iron regulated proteins, Toxoplasma and Rotavirus vaccines. Moredun is keen to continue developing new and improved vaccines in the future so has therefore commissioned, through Genecom, an independent review of the current position and an analysis of strategies for managing potential vaccine opportunities. The report showed that there were a significant number of Moredun research projects with vaccine related opportunities and recommended that these projects could be moved into a vaccine-dedicated, commercial management vehicle. The early targets of this proposed vehicle include new or improved vaccines for pneumonia, Enzootic Abortion of Ewes, Caseous lymphadenitis and nematode parasites. It is hoped that this report will help Moredun continue to maximise the commercial outcomes to it’s research in the future.
Improved diagnostic test help reveals 1 in 5 cattle abortions are positive for Neospora n improved diagnostic test developed by Moredun scientists has shown that the parasite Neospora caninum is the most frequently found pathogen in cattle abortions.
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The improved diagnostic test used in this survey can also identify different strains (isolates) of the Neospora parasite so scientists at Moredun are now looking at the DNA samples collected in this survey to determine the range of different Neospora isolates that may be present in cattle herds in Scotland, which will help them in their quest to develop an effective vaccine in the future.
Neospora infected animals are 3-7 times more likely to have an abortion compared with uninfected cattle.
Work at Moredun has shown that vaccinating uninfected cattle prior to mating will generate immunity to prevent vertical transmission of the parasite during pregnancy showing that vaccination may be a strategy to control the disease. However, studies of naturally infected cattle in the field suggest that congenitally infected animals do not develop good immunity therefore it may be best to target a vaccine to protect uninfected cattle and to identify and cull congenitally infected cattle.
Cattle may become infected with the parasite through consumption of feed or water contaminated with Neospora oocysts (parasite eggs) which are shed by infected dogs. The Neospora oocysts can persist in the environment providing a source of infection for cattle. Once infected, cattle normally show few clinical symptoms however problems occur in the pregnant animal where the parasite can invade the placenta and infect the developing foetus.
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The test, which uses newly improved molecular tools to increase the detection of the parasite Neospora caninum, was used in a recent survey in the southwest of Scotland that Moredun conducted with colleagues at SACVS. The results of the survey (which will soon be published) show that the parasite was detected in 22% of all the cattle abortion samples submitted for diagnosis to the SAC-VI centre in Dumfries – more than any other pathogen. This new survey mirrors the recent statistics from VIDA (veterinary investigation diagnosis analysis database) that show that Neospora caninum is the most frequently diagnosed cause of bovine abortion in the UK.
Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite, which is a major cause of abortion and reproductive failure in both dairy and beef cattle worldwide. Scientists at Moredun have been working on developing new genetic techniques to help detect the parasite in infected animals and are also looking at whether vaccination may be a feasible option to control the disease.
Moredun scientists have shown that infection of the foetus early in pregnancy is likely to cause death of the foetus whereas infection later in pregnancy may result in the birth of a live but congenitally infected animal. Vertical transmission of the parasite from mother to foetus is a very common feature of this disease and infected animals may transmit the parasite over successive pregnancies.
Highlighting Toxoplasma Parasites at Public Science Festival A team of Moredun science communicators have developed a free interactive exhibit to showcase at this years Edinburgh International Science Festival. ‘The Beasts Within Us’ will highlight how toxoplasma parasites have successfully evolved to live within all warm blooded animals including humans and will help raise awareness of this parasite as well as give advice to help people protect themselves from infection. A series of free workshops, talks and a manned exhibit on this subject will be open to the public between 1-4 April in the Exhibition Hall of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh. For further information visit www.moredun.org.uk/events
Christmas Sales Helps Boost Income Many thanks to everyone who ordered Christmas cards and gifts from Moredun in 2008. Over £4,000 was raised through the sale of cards and seasonal gifts which is a tremendous amount. Remember that we have a large range of books, dvds and gifts available all year round and they can be ordered direct through our payment secure website – www.moredun.org.uk/shop 3
GALVmed: Protecting Livestock, Saving Human Life If the cattle die, the Massai die.” This stark message from a Massai Elder clearly hit home with GALVmed Chief Executive Steve Sloan after meeting 30 Pastoralists and Stallholders in Arusha, Tanzania in January.
GALVmed (Global Alliance for Livestock Veterinary Medicines) is a not-forprofit global alliance currently funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and the UK Department for International Development (DFID). It is working with key partners to make a sustainable difference to poor livestock keepers by providing access to animal health medicines.
The farmers also described the East Coast Fever (ECF) Vaccine as a “gift from God”. The ECF vaccine is the first of the livestock products that GALVmed, (which has its headquarters in Pentlands Science Park) is working to register in East African countries, supporting the value chain through subsidy.
GALVmed seeks to protect livestock and save human lives by developing, registering and launching several vaccines, pharmaceutical and diagnostic products. They also work in partnership with organisations in developing countries to ensure sustainable research, production and delivery of new products to
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GALVmed Chief Executive, Steve Sloan with Massai Elder during field visits in Tanzania
poor livestock keepers. GALVmed also educates stakeholders on the links between livestock and poverty and facilitates dialogue and collaboration in research efforts for new livestock vaccines, medicines and diagnostic systems. For further information about the work of GALVmed and how you can help, please contact Stuart Brown on 0131 445 6264 or visit their website www.galvmed.org
Thank You As a registered charity Moredun is indebted to donations from its members and supporters which help ensure that vital areas of it’s work can continue. However, special thanks must go to the following organisations, all of whom have made substantial donations to Moredun in the last twelve months.
New Chairman for Moredun Scientific Peter Wells has been appointed as the new Chairman of Moredun Scientific Limited, one of the commercial subsidiaries of the Moredun Foundation. He succeeds Dr Paul Bramley who has been chairman for the past eight years. Dr Wells is a graduate from The Royal (Dick) School of veterinary Studies in Edinburgh and has worked in the Animal Health industry for almost thirty years, retiring as the Global Head of Research and Development at Novartis Animal Health Inc, in 2008.
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Bute Agricultural Society Caithness Agricultural Society Chris Adamson Foot Trimmer Duchy College EL Fleming Trust
Hybu Cig Cymru (Meat Promotion Wales) Intervet Schering Plough Animal Health J & JR Wilson Trust Perth Ram Society Bayer Animal Health Quality Meat Scotland Romsey Agricultural & Horse Show Society Scottish Borders Sheep Health Association Volac International Limited Welsh Assembly Government
Promoting Scottish Science Moredun is involved in an exciting new initiative funded by the Scottish Government to help improve knowledge exchange between Scottish scientists and policy makers. ‘Knowledge Scotland’ involves all of Scotland’s main research providers: Moredun, SAC, Scottish Crop Research Institute, Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health and the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute and will assist Scottish policy makers to develop and improve their knowledge and understanding of the food, health, environment and rural sectors.
The project has several different elements including open house events where scientists can chat to policy officials and stakeholders, work shadowing schemes for scientists and policy makers, a workshop bringing together scientists, policy makers and journalists and some public exhibits to help showcase the high standard of scientific research being conducted at the Scottish Research Institutes. Further information can be found at www.knowledgescotland.org
New Moredun techniques can help speed up E. coli O157:H7 identification here is an expectation that our food and drink should be free from disease-causing organisms.
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Despite this, foodborne infection caused by several organisms – E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria and Campylobacter – is still a significant risk. E. coli O157:H7 is perhaps the most notorious of these pathogens although it is less frequent as a cause of human infection than Salmonella and much less common than Campylobacter infection. Limiting the risk posed by these organisms to public health remains an important goal for Moredun’s research. A vital part of disease control is the rapid detection and identification of these foodborne pathogens – this is crucially important during outbreaks to accelerate decision making and initiate measures to reduce public risk. In response to this, Moredun scientists have developed new techniques to help speed up the identification and characterisation of a range of different bacteria. Focusing on E. coli O157:H7 in the first phase of study, this novel technique, which uses proteomics, can not only identify and differentiate E. coli O157:H7 strains (the major threat) from other, less dangerous E. coli strains but can also produce more rapid results that existing methods of microbiological typing. It is hoped that this new test could be used
to speed up diagnosis and in tracing infection during outbreaks. Moredun hopes to apply the approaches used in this new test to other major foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella and Campylobacter to help improve food safety. One of the interesting characteristics of these foodborne pathogens is that they have the ability to survive in animals without causing disease but once in a human, infection can be severe and may even result in deaths. Livestock animals are therefore important “reservoirs” for these pathogens where they usually live in the gut, however once these pathogens are released into the environment or into the food chain, they can go on to infect humans. Food (particularly meat products) has been implicated as the major route of
transmission although other sources including direct contact with animals or their environment are also important. Good hygiene and food preparation and storage are important in reducing risks for all foodborne pathogens but despite this, infections still occur regularly. Ongoing work at Moredun aims to improve understanding of these diseasecausing organisms and infections in order to improve control and reduce risk to public. This is challenging since these organisms act by stealth in one host where they may live without causing disease, can survive once out of the animal reservoir and are resilient in the environment can be harmful in humans. Moredun scientists are also assessing a vaccine to reduce carriage and shedding of E. coli O157 in cattle. Findings are promising although they are subject to commercial confidentiality at this point.
Free Sheep Diseases Directory Available The Moredun Foundation has produced a free resource for sheep farmers in conjunction with EBLEX (the English Sheep and Beef Executive). The sheep diseases directory is a 36 page colour directory that introduces a variety of health problems that may affect sheep, gives some guidance about what signs to look out and
is intended as an early warning system for sheep producers. The booklet has already been circulated to every sheep farmer who has signed up the EBLEX Better Returns Programme but if you would like a free copy please contact Margaret Bennett at the Foundation office on 0131 445 5111.
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A Tale of Two Squirrels To mark national squirrel week in October last year, Moredun developed a free interactive educational exhibit at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh. The subject of the exhibition was Moredun’s work looking at the emergence of squirrel pox as a threat to Scotland’s native red squirrel population. The squirrel pox virus is carried by grey squirrels that do not show signs of disease. However, the virus can be fatal for red squirrels and Moredun scientists working together with Scottish Natural Heritage are monitoring blood samples to check the spread of the virus. Additional work, funded by the Wildlife Ark Trust, is investigating the possibility of using vaccination to help protect against the disease.
Dates for Your Diary As part of its extensive outreach programme, Moredun will be attending the following agricultural shows and specialist sheep and beef events throughout the UK this Summer. If you plan to attend any of the events and have any questions on animal health – please come along and have a chat with our team of vets and animal health specialists. Welsh Sheep Cernioge Bach, Pentrefoelas, Betws y Coed Tuesday 19 May Beef Expo Three Countries Showground, Malvern Thursday 21 May North Sheep Laund Farm, Chipping, Preston Wednesday 3 June Royal Highland Show Ingliston, Edinburgh Thursday 25 June – Sunday 28 June
© Jim Wilson
Scottish Beef Fayre Pitlochie Farm, Gateside, Fife Wednesday 1 July
Animal Health Roadshow Hailed Huge Success Holding thirteen free events throughout the UK over four weeks, Moredun’s 2008 Animal Health Roadshow was the largest on record. Covering subjects such as tick diseases, Johne’s disease, neospora, liver fluke, worm control, hydatid disease, lamb survival, sheep abortion, managing the pregnant ewe and cattle lameness, these regional meetings attracted large audiences and very positive feedback. Moredun’s Annual Roadshow is vital to both farmers and vets as it offers free independent information on a range of livestock diseases to help those who care for livestock to maximise the health, productivity and profitability of their animals. Thanks are due to the various sponsors for their support of these events over the years – without it the Roadshow would not be the success it is.
Hungry Farmers: The Root Causes VETAID, one of the charities within the Moredun group, held a one day free conference at Moredun in January to raise awareness on international trade rules and the way in which they disadvantage African Farmers. Over 40 delegates, including politicians, farmers, students and vets from across the UK, attended this conference and the programme included speakers from the UK and Kenya. During the day a number of issues were discussed, including the complexities of the agricultural systems in developing countries and how they can be affected by international trade systems. In the opening presentation, Patrick Mulvany, Senior policy Advisor to Practical Action and Chairman of the UK Food Group stressed the need for politicians to fully understand the agricultural systems used in developing 6
countries before making policy decisions and also introduced the principles of Food Sovereignty: the claimed right of people to define their own food, agriculture, livestock and fisheries systems, in contrast to having food largely subject to international market forces. Moses Shaha, General Secretary of Southern Africa Small Scale Farmers’ Forum highlighted some of the difficulties African farmers face in trying to compete with cheap foodstuffs produced in subsidised systems before Diane Green, Campaigns Officer for Christian Aid in Scotland explained Christian Aid’s perspective on Trade Justice. Norman Chipakupaku from the Co-op College and former Zambian Shadow Minister for Agriculture, urged politicians to ensure that trade in Africa was fair – not free.
Patrick Mulvany speaking about the principals of Food Sovereignty
The delegates then took part in a lively debate (chaired by Ken Rundle, former BBC Landward presenter) to discuss how world trade organisations could move towards achieving a just food system. For further information about this conference and information about further events on this subject – please contact John Ferguson at VETAID on 0131 445 6241
David Buxton Retires
Honorary Professorship for Moredun Immunologist Moredun scientist Gary Entrican has been awarded an Honorary Professor associated with the Roslin Institute, part of the University of Edinburgh.
Dr David Buxton, Head of Pathology and Surveillance at Moredun retired in September 2008 after working at Moredun for over 36 years. David was a familiar face at both agricultural shows and roadshow events throughout the UK and had a wealth of knowledge on the diseases that affect sheep, cattle and deer. Originally qualifying from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh, David was internationally recognised for his work in Pathology as well as for his knowledge in the infectious abortions of sheep and cattle. His main research interests included toxoplasmosis, enzootic abortion and neosporosis and over the years David wrote in excess of 150 scientific papers and chapters for books. Everyone at Moredun would like to wish him a very long and happy retirement.
Parasitologist Jacqui Matthews has been appointed The Moredun Chair of Veterinary Immunobiology at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies (R(D)SVS) in Edinburgh. Originally a graduate of Glasgow Vet School, Jacqui has a particular interest in the nematode infections of ruminants and horses. She has contributed to major research programmes developing vaccines for both Teladorsagia (an important sheep stomach worm) and cattle lungworm and is also involved in projects looking at anthelmintic resistance in horse nematodes. Professor Julie Fitzpatrick, Director of Moredun Research Institute commented, “I am confident that this position will help strengthen the existing links between the two organizations.”
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Professor Entrican is the leader of the Immunology Theme at Moredun and works on the immunological responses of ruminants to a range of infectious agents. On accepting the honour Professor Entrican said, “I am delighted to accept this Professorship, which I hope will strengthen my collaborations with colleagues at the University of Edinburgh and the Roslin Institute. Our complimentary skills create a strong and productive base for disease research of both veterinary and human medical interest.”
Joint Chair for Moredun and R(D)SVS
Moredun Fellow awarded MBE
Moredun Awards Fellowship The Moredun Foundation was delighted to award an Honorary Fellowship to Dr Peter Nettleton at its AGM in 2008. An internationally renowned veterinary virologist, Dr Nettleton ran the Viral Surveillance Unit at Moredun for several years before retiring in January 2007.
Copyright and permission of Johnston (Falkirk) Ltd, Carluke and Lanark Gazette. Picture by Lindsay Addison
Congratulations to Moredun Fellow David Henderson, who was awarded an MBE in the Queens New Years Honours List for his services to animal welfare. David began his career as a shepherd before qualifying as a veterinary surgeon from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh. He joined Moredun as Head of the Division of Clinical Studies & Director of Farms and played a pivotal role in the development of the farm accommodation at Pentlands Science Park before retiring in 1999. He was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the Moredun Foundation in 2007. John Ross, Chairman of the Moredun Foundation, was delighted by the news. He commented, “David Henderson has a remarkable skill of explaining complex animal health issues to both scientific and non scientific audiences. The livestock industry has undoubtedly benefited
from David’s knowledge and expertise, however Moredun and its members has also benefited as David spoke at countless sheep health meetings and events throughout the UK whilst working at Moredun, and since retiring.” 7
Moredun Foundation Newsheet Book - VOLUME 3 The Foundation has launched the latest volume of newsheets to be produced in book form. This third compendium of Moredun news sheets contains twenty of our most recent popular articles sent to Moredun Foundation members each quarter as part of their membership package. The topics are a mix of novel articles or an update on earlier publications relating to the diseases which afflict our flocks and herds. Titles include CLA, lameness, sheep scab,
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worm control strategies, liver fluke and orf. Volume 3 is available to members for just £15.00 (plus £1.00 postage and packing).
The Moredun Foundation
Please send orders to: Margaret Bennett The Moredun Foundation Pentlands Science Park Bush Loan Penicuik EH26 0PZ Tel: 0131 445 5111 Fax: 0131 445 6235 Email: margaret.bennett@moredun.org.uk
News Sheets 1-20 Volume 3
Moredun Foundation Newsheet Books - VOLUMES 1 & 2
The Moredun Foundation
News Sheets 1-30 Volume 1
The Moredun Foundation
News Sheets 1-30 Volume 1
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Earlier newsheets produced by the Moredun Foundation are also available as paperback books.
Each volume is available to members for just £15.00 (plus £1.00 postage and packing).
Subjects covered in Volume 1 include ‘Jaagsiekte’, ‘Watery Mouth’, ‘Detection and Treatment of Hypothermia’, ‘Border Disease’, ‘Footrot’ and lots more.
Please send orders to: Margaret Bennett The Moredun Foundation Pentlands Science Park Bush Loan Penicuik EH26 0PZ Tel: 0131 445 5111 Fax: 0131 445 6235 Email: margaret.bennett@moredun. org.uk
Volume 2, contains newsheets on subjects like’Maedi Visna’, ‘Pasteurellosis’, ‘Scrapie’, ‘Effective Ectoparasite Control’ and ‘Ovine Abortion’.