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Moredun director awarded honorary doctorate
(L to R) University Chancellor David Eustace, Dean of the School of Applied Sciences, Professor Julie Fitzpatrick,  Professor Gary Hutchison, and Principal & Vice-Chancellor Prof Andrea Nolan.

Julie Fitzpatrick recognised for livestock research

Professor Julie Fitzpatrick, scientific director of the Moredun Institute, has been awarded an honorary doctorate from one of Scotland’s leading universities.

The renowned livestock health and welfare expert was made an honorary Doctor of Science from Edinburgh Napier University last Thursday (29 June).

Her Doctorate was awarded at a special ceremony held in the Usher Hall, Edinburgh, where hundreds of Edinburgh Napier Students also gathered to collect their degrees.

Julie Fitzpatrick said: “It is an honour to be recognised by Edinburgh Napier University in being awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Science. I continue to work together with colleagues especially in Life Sciences, in collaborating to increase our impact in research and development, benefitting people, animals, food and farming in Scotland and further afield.”

She added: “Edinburgh Napier University excels in preparing its student population to provide useful and motivated graduates across multiple sectors of importance to Scotland’s economy. Linking organisations such as the Moredun Research Institute to Universities in the Edinburgh region with similar aims and objectives allows all of us to increase our impact nationally and internationally”.

Professor Fitzpatrick participates in numerous scientific advisory bodies within Scotland, the UK and internationally. In 2014, she was awarded an OBE for services to animal heath and science. She also holds a Chair in Food Security in the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences at the University of Glasgow.

Professor Andrea Nolan, principal and vice-chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University, said: “It is wonderful to see people who have made such a significant impact in the worlds of business, science, industry and the arts joining our celebrations. Their drive, talent and enthusiasm will inspire our students as they set out to make their own mark on the world.”

Image (C) Moredun Research Institute.

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.