NSA and Moredun webinar to further highlight the devastating impact of louping ill on the UK's upland sheep farmers

The National Sheep Association (NSA), in collaboration with the Moredun Research Institute, invites sheep farmers, flock managers and industry professionals to join a vital online webinar on Tuesday 25th November 2025 discussing the impact of the tick borne disease, louping ill, on sheep flocks.

Louping Ill virus (LIV) remains a significant threat in upland and hill-farming systems across the UK. Through a blend of real-world experience and cutting-edge scientific insight, this webinar will include first-hand accounts from farmers who have faced the disease, an introduction to a newly developed vaccine, and strategies to help protect breeding flocks while mitigating financial losses from LIV.

NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker will lead discussion, joined by Beth Wells from Moredun, Caroline Millins from Liverpool University, Scottish sheep farmer Ian Duncan Millar and David Attwell of the Dartmoor Hill Farm Project.

The session is designed for commercial and pedigree sheep producers, particularly those in upland and hill terrains, as well as sheep-health advisers, vets, and anyone involved in flock-planning, biosecurity or disease-prevention strategies.

The financial and animal-health impacts of louping-ill can be severe. With modern vaccinology and improved on-farm practices but there is now an opportunity to stay ahead of the disease. This webinar offers a rare chance to hear directly from both front-line farmers and research specialists, helping to bridge the gap between science and practice. Information on the development of a new vaccine will also be shared, explaining how farmers and industry stakeholders can support its promotion and roll-out.

The free webinar will take place on Tuesday 25th November 2025, from 12 noon to 1pm via Zoom. Registration is essential and can be completed through the event listing at nationalsheep.org.uk.