NSA is helping to fund research into vaccine

THE National Sheep Association (NSA) has said it is pleased to offer further support to The Moredun Foundation as it strives to secure production of a new vaccine that could halt the devastating spread of Louping Ill Virus (LIV) amongst sectors of the UK sheep flock.

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LIV remains a serious hazard to upland and hill-farmed sheep, with outbreaks causing high mortality and heavy economic losses.

The virus is transmitted by the sheep tick and can also infect red grouse, other livestock, and even, but very rarely, humans.

Symptoms in sheep can be dramatic, leading all too often to death, but crucially progress is being made towards the reintroduction of a vaccine against LIV, developed by Scotland-based Moredun and now being advanced to commercial roll-out.

The previous vaccine was withdrawn in 2017, leaving a significant gap in disease protection.

Following an engaging industry webinar last November on the topic, hosted by NSA, several NSA regions have now committed a charitable donation to the appeal, supporting the production of this important vaccine.

NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said: "With rising tick numbers and expanding LIV risk areas, the need for prompt action has never been greater. NSA is pleased to be able to support the production of this vaccine so it can be made available as soon as possible to begin to halt the spread of this disease."