NSA bolsters important fundraising for new louping ill vaccine on a national and regional level

The National Sheep Association (NSA) 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.

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 Moredun and now being advanced to commercial rollout. The previous vaccine was withdrawn in 2017, leaving a significant gap in disease protection.

Following an engaging industry webinar last month 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 comments: “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.”

As an organisation split into nine regions across the UK, NSA is able to further support Moredun thanks to several NSA regional committees also lending their financial support to the vaccine fundraising. NSA Scottish Region, NSA Northern Region, NSA Wales / Cymru, NSA South West Region, NSA South East Region and NSA Central Region are all set to contribute to the work.

NSA Scottish Region Policy Officer Faye Bryce says: “NSA Scotland is proud to continue its long-standing support of The Moredun Institute and its work on the louping ill vaccine. Safeguarding our flocks is fundamental to the longevity and sustainability of sheep farming. This disease poses a very serious threat to animal welfare and farm productivity, particularly in upland areas where heavy tick-burdens increase pressure. By contributing to this vital research, we’re investing in our sheep today and our sector for the future.”

NSA Wales / Cymru Region Development Officer Helen Roberts adds: “NSA Cymru's decision to donate highlights the view that vaccination is a key solution to a growing problem within Wales and we were only too willing to support the good work that Moredun is doing on this.”

NSA South West Region Manager Ian May says: “NSA South West Region is pleased to be able to support Moredun in its efforts to bring an effective louping ill vaccine to market. This vaccine is critical in maintaining healthy flocks particularly in moorland areas such as Exmoor and Dartmoor where an inability to manage the disease is adding further stress and complexity to those trying to run their businesses in these and other upland areas.”

NSA Northern Region Manager Chris Adamson says: “Having discussed this at a recent committee meeting it was a unanimous decision to support this fundraising. We are hopeful this will benefit farmers in the North of England in the future.”

Although working in areas not currently affected by the virus NSA South East and NSA Central Regions have also recognised the importance of contributing to this work.

NSA South East Region Trustee Yann Le Du comments: “NSA South East Region is keen to support the Moredun team in their development and bringing to market of this vaccine. Not only because of its importance in supporting the well-being of our hill and moorland flocks but also because, looking to the future, the novel techniques associated with this development may serve us well in protecting our livestock against other vector borne diseases.”

NSA Central Region Chairman Ed Brant adds: “NSA Central Region is pleased to be supporting Moredun. This is a great opportunity to contribute to work tackling a growing challenge with a new pathway of delivering a vaccine. It shows the industry taking the lead on delivering solutions to the problems we face to benefit sheep farmers across the nation.” 

The NSA and Moredun ‘Tackling louping ill’ webinar held recently echoed these comments. Featuring a panel including sheep farmers with lived experience of LIV outbreaks such as Ian Duncan Millar, who has experienced devastating sheep losses to the disease and scientific experts including Beth Wells from Moredun, the discussion highlighted the impacts, the science behind a new vaccine, and practical steps for protecting flocks.

The webinar is available to watch back on the NSA website at www.nationalsheep.org.uk/webinars.

Further information on the fundraising and a link to make donations to help the successful roll out of the louping ill vaccine can be found on the Moredun website here.