Pasteurella multocida is an increasingly important cause of pneumonia in cattle.

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1 I s s u e 2 8 Spring 2008 more from Moredun moves towards new Cattle Pneumonia vaccine It has been estimated that UK cattle industry loses 30 million each year due to respiratory infections. Pasteurella multocida is an increasingly important cause of pneumonia in cattle and one of the most common bacterial pathogens associated with respiratory disease in cattle throughout Britain. Moredun scientists developed the Iron Regulated Protein (IRP) technology behind the current market leading vaccine that protects against Mannheima (Pasteurella) haemolytica; however there is no vaccine available in Europe to protect against P. multocida. Although closely related, M(P). haemolytica and P. multocida are uniquely different and an improved understanding of the latter bacterium and its disease processes is required in order to design new and effective control measures. Moredun has an established research group led by Dr Chris Hodgson working towards the ultimate aim of developing an effective vaccine against P. multocida. Limited observations suggest that the bacterium may be present in the respiratory tract of apparently healthy animals but it isn t known how prevalent this is and whether it represents a danger to health. In order to improve the understanding of this, Moredun is Pasteurella multocida is an increasingly important cause of pneumonia in cattle. conducting a field study in collaboration with SAC with calves from 36 beef and 36 dairy farms throughout Scotland. It is hoped that this study will determine the different strains of P. multocida that exist in the respiratory tract of the cattle population and whether some strains are likely to increase the risk of the animal of developing pneumonia. Another aim of the study is to determine whether any management practices act as risk factors for P. multocida and calf pneumonia. We will keep you informed of our progress. In this Issue Moredun s 2008 Open Day 3 Wildlife initiatives get Royal Approval 4 Neospora study 4 Bluetongue update 5 Forthcoming Events 6 New President for Moredun 7

2 A Note from the Deputy Director Best wishes to all our members and supporters for The year began well for Moredun when its Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, attended a special joint symposium which celebrated the 20 th Anniversary of the Equine Grass Sickness Fund as well as the wildlife research which is taking place at Moredun. Details can be found on page 5. After the disappointment of last year when Moredun had to cancel its Open Day as a biosecurity measure following the FMD outbreak in the UK we are delighted to announce that there will be an Open Day this year on Friday 8 August. Full details are enclosed so be sure and get your applications in quick if you want to attend. Our members are very important to us and never more than when we need to get first hand information on the problems we are researching. As well as updates on ongoing surveys on enzootic abortion of ewes and worm resistance, this issue carries details of two new trials on neosporosis and pneumonia in cattle which are about to begin. As a result of a strategic decision to enable more entrepreneurial activity among our scientists it is pleasing to see that in the last year two of our scientists have started up their own companies (BigDNA and The Creative Science Company) on ideas developed from their research. Further information about these spin out companies can be found on page 7 of this issue. Finally, we were all saddened when we heard about the death of our Honorary President, The Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry in September The Duke was a strong supporter of our research and educational activities and will be sadly missed. Our new Honorary President John Cameron is a long time member and friend to Moredun and we look forward to working with him in the future. Professor Willie Donachie Deputy Director of Moredun Moredun Partners new Research Consortium Enzootic Abortion of Ewes: Survey Update In April this year, the Roslin Institute, which has recently integrated the Neuropathogenesis Unit (formerly Institute for Animal Health), will become a part of the University of Edinburgh, and will form a new institute within the University that will include much of the research of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies (R(D)SVS). Plans are underway to build a centre for the new institute close to Moredun s home at Pentlands Science Park which will house the scientists of the new institute as well as some researchers from SAC. Moredun Research Institute (MRI) has formed a strategic alliance with this new institute and formed a new research partnership, the Easter Bush Research Consortium (EBRC). Together, the EBRC will form one of the largest research groups focussed on the biology of companion and production animals in the world. It will undertake top-class basic and translational science to tackle some of the most pressing issues in animal genetics and genomics, development, health and welfare and their implications for human health. Professor Julie Fitzpatrick, Director of MRI was enthusiastic about Moredun s partnership with the EBRC. She commented The EBRC will increase Moredun s capacity for developing joint research programmes with other EBRC partners thus creating a broader range of internationally competitive research programmes. To celebrate the launch of the EBRC, there will be a two day scientific conference held in Edinburgh on 7 & 8 April 2008 featuring a number of key speakers from the forefront of international science. Moredun scientists would like to say thank you to everybody who filled in and returned the recent questionnaire gathering information on enzootic abortion of ewes (EAE). Enzootic abortion of ewes is the single most common cause of infectious abortion in sheep in the UK, costing the industry around 30 million a year. The surveys were designed to give our scientific team some valuable information on the epidemiology of this important disease and to look in more detail at the economic losses associated with EAE. Scientists are currently evaluating the results from the survey and are interested to examine the cost-benefit of applying different control strategies to tackle EAE outbreaks. All the respondents were entered into a free draw and the winner of the 50 Marks and Spencers gift voucher was James Scott of Fearn Farm, Fearn in Inverness-shire. Congratulations! 2

3 Moredun s 2008 Open Day Moredun is pleased to announce that it will be holding another Open Day at its home at Pentlands Science Park on Friday 8 August. In the interests of national biosecurity Moredun s Open Day in 2007 had to be cancelled following the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in Surrey. This year Moredun s Open day will have a relaxed structure and visitors will be able to choose which talks, demonstrations and tours they wish to join, and when. The overall theme of the day is the application of high quality science research in the diagnosis and control of infectious disease in farm animals. Professor Julie Fitzpatrick, Chief Executive and Scientific Director of Moredun is looking forward to welcoming visitors to Moredun s Open Day; This event complements Moredun s extensive knowledge transfer and outreach programme and we are confident Field Trials - proving it does what it says on the tin! Before any new Veterinary Medicinal Product (VMP) can be marketed or sold in the EU there must be a stringent assessment carried out by national and/or EU authorities to ensure it meets statutory criteria for safety, quality and efficacy. VMPs must live up to their claims! Data must be provided by the animal health company involved to prove that each VMP meets a specified level of efficacy in treating or preventing a medical condition. Field trials are an important element; they must demonstrate that the VMP works (and that the programme we have put together will be of interest to all visitors, whatever their background. Tickets are free of charge but will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Moredun members will be given first priority when tickets are allocated and members will be allowed to bring one guest (fellow member or not) along with them on the day but all visitors must have a ticket. College, farming and veterinary groups will also be welcomed on the day but by prior arrangement only. We very much regret that anyone turning up on the day without a ticket will not be permitted entry to the site. There is a ticket application form enclosed in this mailing. If you would like to come along please complete the form and return it ASAP don t forget to include the names and full contact details of any additional guests you intend to bring with you. We hope to see you on 8 August! is safe) under field conditions when administered by the approved route and at the approved dose rate, frequency and duration of treatment. Moredun Scientific Ltd (MSL) the commercial arm of Moredun, recently conducted a successful field study for a new VMP. The study involved 800 sheep from 6 farms across Scotland and involved close liaison with the study sponsor, farmers and local vets. Field studies are an important aspect of VMP development that complements MSL`s existing portfolio of efficacy and safety testing services. Over the years, data generated at MSL has been submitted to regulatory authorities worldwide to support the authorisation of more than 100 veterinary products. MSL plans to organise more field studies in the future; if you are interested in being involved in these studies please contact MSL on info@moredun-scientific.com. Moredun staff will be on hand to answer your animal health questions. Thank You As a registered charity Moredun is indebted to donations from its members and supporters which help ensure that vital areas of its work can continue. However, special thanks must go to the following organisations, all of whom have made donations to Moredun in the last twelve months. Their support is greatly appreciated by us all Border Farm Supplies Border Union Agricultural Society Buckland Charitable Trust Bute Agricultural Society Carrs Billington Crystalyx EL Fleming Trust Hybu Cig Cymru (Meat Promotion Wales) Intervet Animal Health Janssen Animal Health J & JR Wilson Trust North of Scotland BVA Division Perth Ram Society Quality Meat Scotland Romsey Agricultural & Horse Show Society Volac International Limited 3

4 HRH The Princess Royal commends Moredun s research HRH The Princess Royal recently praised the efforts of Moredun in trying to combat the diseases of both livestock and other animals. In a showcase event attended by over 100 invited guests, HRH The Princess Royal, Patron of the Moredun Foundation, congratulated researchers for their sterling efforts in animal health research. The event, held at Moredun, in February highlighted a variety of the research being conducted to increase the health and welfare of animals outside Moredun s traditional research portfolio, including grass sickness in horses, a virus that affects red grouse and other wildlife species, the surveillance and investigation of diseases in sea HRH The Princess Royal chats to Moredun researchers. mammals and the viral infection that is having a devastating effect on the red squirrel population. Professor Julie Fitzpatrick, Chief Executive of the Moredun Foundation commented, This is the first time Moredun has showcased its work in wildlife. Although internationally renowned for its research in the infectious diseases of livestock, many people are unaware that Moredun also contributes significantly to help protect wildlife like red squirrels, deer, grouse as well as a variety of sea mammals in Scotland. The event highlighted Moredun s involvement in the squirrelpox virus work in red squirrels which came from Moredun s long standing research programme and knowledge Moredun scientists are studying the poxvirus that threatens the UK red squirrel population. of similar pox viruses and the diseases they cause in sheep. Moredun also has a long standing research programme investigating louping ill a viral disease spread by ticks that can be fatal in both sheep and red grouse. Moredun offers an important service investigating the causes of death in whales, dolphins and seals found around Scotland s coastline. The event also celebrated the launch of the 20 th Anniversary year of the Equine Grass Sickness Fund (EGSF), a specific fund within the Moredun Foundation. Grass Sickness is a devastating disease which often results in death. The EGSF is dedicated to supporting and advancing research into grass sickness and further improving the treatment of chronic cases. Mrs Philippa Gammell, Chairman of the Equine Grass Sickness was delighted that HRH The Princess Royal was able to attend the event. She reported Her Royal Highness has been Patron of the Fund since We are extremely grateful for her interest in our work and for the support she has given in helping to raise awareness of this devastating disease. Cattle Infertility Research at Moredun Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite, closely related to Toxoplasma gondii, that as emerged has a major cause of reproductive failure in cattle worldwide. Cattle infected with this parasite are 3-7 times more likely to abort than uninfected cattle with infected heifers at the highest risk. Economic losses associated with the disease include costs incurred due to neonatal mortality, early foetal death reduced milk production, reduced value of breeding stock and increased likelihood of culling. 4 The dog is the definitive host of the parasite and oocysts (parasite eggs) may be shed in the faeces of acutely infected dogs that acquire the infection following the consumption of infected cattle tissue. These oocysts can persist in the environment and are a source of infection for cattle through contaminated feed or water. Cattle may also become infected through vertical transmission from dam to calf during pregnancy. This method of congenital transmission is highly efficient and can occur over several generations and in successive pregnancies. Bovine neosporosis is one of the most frequently diagnosed causes of abortion in cattle and Moredun scientists are conducting research to help understand how the parasite causes disease and whether cattle may develop immunological resistance to the parasite. Scientists are also working together with farmers and veterinary practitioners to conduct longitudinal studies to evaluate transmission routes within farms and to identify the extent of parasite stain variation using new molecular fingerprinting techniques.

5 Bluetongue Update Bluetongue is a disease which has been endemic in Africa for years and is caused by a virus spread by Culicoide midges. There are 24 distinct serotypes which can be grouped into several distinct groups and it only requires the bite of one midge carrying the virus to infect a ruminant animal. Bluetongue serotype 8 unexpectedly arrived in Belgium, Holland and Germany in the summer of 2006 and the exact mode of transmission from Nigeria is still unclear. The initial disease in Northern Europe was mild with low morbidity (number of affected animals) but variable mortality (number of deaths). Bluetongue 8 presented clinical cases in both sheep and unusually cattle who exhibited well defined signs. The disease re-appeared in Northern Europe in late July 2007 and was mainly seen in flocks and herds that were infected the previous year. How the disease overwinters remains unclear. The disease was far more severe in 2007 with high morbidity and mortality. In Belgium it is estimated that over 30% of infected sheep died. The disease then spread rapidly reaching Denmark, France and 4,000 in Christmas Merchandise Sales Moredun would like to thank everyone who purchased Christmas cards and gifts from The Foundation in the run up to Christmas last year. These sales generated an impressive 4000 which will help to support Moredun s work. Moredun merchandise, including farming books, gifts and leisurewear can be purchased all year round from our secure payment website at Clinical signs of bluetongue in sheep include swelling of the mouth, head and neck Switzerland. It is believed that the greater morbidity and mortality in Europe in 2007 lies not in the virus having changed but to a much heavier virus load presented to each ruminant as they were bitten by so many infected midges. On 22 August 2007 the first clinical case of Bluetongue in the UK was diagnosed near Ipswich. By Mid November there were 66 confirmed cases of which only 8 were in sheep. The disease in Eastern England resembled that seen in Europe in Infection in Eastern England led to the compulsory imposition of a Protection Zone (PZ) and Surveillance Zone (SZ) to the west. During the Vector Free Period (which began in Mid December and will end sometime in March) ruminants can t be moved from PZs or SZs outwards without pre-testing but movement inwards is permitted. It is likely that this pre-testing movement has revealed other infected premises from within the PZs and SZs. The total of infected premises at the time of writing stood at 75. The farming and veterinary communities believe that the best chance of reducing and preventing the severe disease seen on the continent last year is to vaccinate. It is hoped that at least 2 million doses will be available by mid May to vaccinate ruminants in the current PZ. Producers will have to purchase the vaccine and vaccination will be on a voluntary basis. The dose for sheep is a single 1ml dose whilst cattle require 2 doses of 1ml given 4 weeks apart. Annual boosters will be required and vaccine is supplied in 25ml and 50ml dose packs. Scientists at the Institute for Animal Health believe that it is vital that at least 80-85% of all ruminants in the PZ are vaccinated as soon as the vaccine becomes available. EU rules only allow vaccination in a PZ so Defra, after consultation with the Stakeholder Group, plans to slowly extend the PZ westwards as more vaccine becomes available. The position of the two devolved administrations is not clear as both are still free zones, however Wales has requested a contingency volume of vaccine. In addition to vaccination, heightened vigilance must be exercised in reporting suspicious disease. With a fair wind and some luck for which the livestock industry is surely due, this disease may well be reduced to manageable proportions and we will not suffer the disastrous losses suffered in Europe during But beware BT serotype 1 is rapidly spreading north through Europe and was confirmed in Northern Spain at the end of This article was provided by Chris Lewis MRCVS, a Moredun director and member of both the Defra Bluetongue Stakeholder Group and Defra Bluetongue Vaccination Group. Chris would like to thank Dr Chris Oura and Professor Philip Mellor from the Institute of Animal Health for their input. 5

6 Are you a Farmer or Crofter with a Bright Idea? Maasai herders with their cattle in northern Tanzania. VETAID is looking for farmers and crofters in Scotland to get involved in an innovative project linking small-scale farmers and herders around the world. The charity needs people with experience and ideas on making a living from small-scale farming or crofting. If you have tried something different, you can share your thoughts with other farmers from Scotland and Africa and work together to find solutions to common problems. A series of round table conferences will bring together members of the Scottish and Tanzanian farming communities as well as representatives from Scottish agriculture and veterinary schools, farming organisations and policy making bodies. The next round table is planned for March 2008 in Inverness. Four people from the involved groups will travel on exchange visits between Scotland and Tanzania to explore common problems with their counterparts, to see practical solutions in action. Parasitic Worms and Anthelmintic Resistance - Farm Survey In 2007, Moredun Foundation members were asked to contribute towards a parasitic worm survey being conducted by our Parasitology group to determine the levels and diversity of nematode populations in the national sheep flock. We received a fantastic response from this survey, and the group have now analysed all submissions to enable them to select the most relevant farms to study. Some 180 farms, spread across the whole of the UK, are now being sent faecal sampling kits and a comprehensive questionnaire which aims to determine the prevalence of the major species of trichostrongylid nematode parasites on sheep farms, and what methods farmers are using to protect against worms in their flocks. Once faecal samples are received, worm eggs will be extracted and cultured to larval stages. Molecular tests will then be performed to identify the prevalence of different species on each farm. Specific gene sequences present in each population will be identified, and this will give us an idea of how populations have arisen and the diversity between different populations. Information from the questionnaires will help us to interpret these results. It is also hoped that information on the population genetics of the worms will give an insight into benzimidazole resistance and how it arises and spreads between worm populations around the UK. Forthcoming Events Moredun in committed to engaging with a range of different audiences in order to communicate its science. We will have exhibitions at the following events over the next few months please see our website ( for further details and extra events. International Science Festival Tuesday 1 Friday 4 April Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh Beef Expo Wednesday 21 May Perth Scot Sheep Wednesday 4 June Hawick, Scottish Borders Royal Highland Show Thursday 19 Sunday 22 June Ingliston, Edinburgh Royal Welsh Show Monday 21 Thursday 24 July Builth Wells Sheep 2008 Wednesday 30 July Malvern Moredun, and in particular the Parasitology group would like to thank everyone who submitted a form for this survey, details of the results will follow in due course. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Sarah Brown at sarah@vetaid.org or call Parasitic worms cause significant disease, animal welfare problems and economic loss. 6

7 New President for Moredun New Communications Director The Duke of Buccleuch Leading Scottish farmer John Cameron has been appointed the new Honorary President of the Moredun Foundation. He officially took up post on 1 January 2008 and succeeds His Grace the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry, who sadly passed away in September Mr. Cameron said; I ve been a lifetime supporter of Moredun and look forward to working with the scientific staff who are doing a wonderful job. The UK livestock sector has benefited greatly from the Moredun s work and it is vitally important it continues to get the necessary support in order to keep up the battle against animal diseases. Creative Science Company Moredun launched a new commercial spin out company in December Creative Science Company was established by two Moredun scientists, Dr Elisabeth Innes and Stephen Wright, to sell Cryptosporidium parasites and related diagnostic products to commercial companies and scientific researchers. Dr Elisabeth Innes has been appointed Communications Director for Moredun. Lee has been actively involved in scientific research for 25 years in the area of infectious diseases of livestock and has worked in several different research institutes in UK and in Africa. Lee has also had a long-term interest in education and has initiated several projects involving public engagement with science and is looking forward to working together with the existing communications team at Moredun to help raise awareness of Moredun s work to different end-user groups The scientific team have extensive research experience in this area and are very much looking forward to establishing the business over the next 12 months. The Company has already won investment from the Genomia fund to help with the planned new product development. Moredun is sad to report the death of its Honorary President, the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry. It was his grandfather, the 7 th Duke of Buccleuch who was appointed the first Honorary President of the Animal Diseases Research Association (the original name of the Moredun Foundation) when it was formed in Moredun was delighted when the 9 th Duke of Buccleuch agreed to take on the position when his father, the 8 th Duke, passed away in Europe s largest private landowner and a true countryman, the Duke had always shown a keen interest in all aspects of Moredun s research work into animal disease and the welfare of farm animals. John Ross, Chairman of the Moredun Foundation commented For many years, Moredun has had the great privilege of having the 9 th Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry as its Honorary President. He was a remarkable man and all of us who knew him are genuinely saddened at his passing. Moredun Chairman selected for FMD review The Moredun Foundation s chairman John Ross has been selected to contribute to a key report on Scotland s response to last year s foot-and-mouth outbreaks, alongside former UK chief vet Jim Scudamore. Rural Affairs Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochead commented John Ross has made an outstanding contribution to Scottish farming over the years and will provide first-class support for Jim Scudamore in his work. Moredun creates company with unique vaccine technology November 2007 saw the creation of another successful spin out company from Moredun. Lead by Moredun scientist Dr John March Big DNA will commercialise a new patented vaccination procedure. The unique process uses bacteriophages containing a DNA vaccine and it is hoped that this system could be used to develop cheaper and more effective vaccines in the future. 7

8 Moredun Foundation Newsheets - VOLUME 4 No. 1. Campylobacter and Salmonella abortion in Sheep No.2. Effective Fostering and Artificial Rearing of Lambs No.3. Louping Ill in Sheep No.4. Ovine Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma No.5. Lungworm disease in cattle No.6. Mastitis in Ewes No.7. Lameness in Sheep No.8. Border Disease No.9. Enzootic Abortion in ewes No.10. Toxoplasmosis in sheep No.11. Pneumonia in Sheep No.12. Buyer Beware No.13. Johne s Disease No.14. Controlling Ectoparasites: making the best use of remaining treatments No.15. Knowledge Based Strategies for Roundworm control No.16. Bovine Virus Diarrhoea (BVD) No.17. Monitoring of the Nutritional Management of Pregnant Ewes No.18. Cryptosporidium and Cryptosporidiosis All newssheets can be bought individually from the Moredun Foundation for 1.50 each (including p&p). A volume 4 Newsheet book will be available towards the end of the year. Please send orders to: Ashley Baird, The Moredun Foundation, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik EH26 0PZ Tel: Fax: ashley.baird@moredun.org.uk Moredun Foundation Newsheet Books Books of previous sets of newsheets can be purchased for each (plus 1 p&p). Volume 3 Book: Containing 20 of our popular disease newssheets. Titles include CLA, lameness, sheep scab, worm control strategies, liver fluke and orf. Volume 2 Book: Newssheet topics include Maedi Visna, Pasteurellosis, Scrapie, Effective Ectoparasite Control and Ovine Abortion among others. Volume 1 Book: Newssheet topics include Jaagsiekte, Watery Mouth, Detection and Treatment of Hypothermia, Border Disease, Footrot and lots more. For a full list of articles in each newssheet book please visit our website at Books can be purchased online, or by contacting us at the address below. The Moredun Foundation The Moredun Foundation News Sheets News Sheets Volume 1 Volume 3 The Moredun Foundation News Sheets 1-30 Volume 1 Please send orders to: Ashley Baird, The Moredun Foundation, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik EH26 0PZ Tel: Fax: ashley.baird@moredun.org.uk