This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Moredun Research Institute Open Day
27/06/2003
Environment and Rural Development Minister Ross Finnie spoke
today at the Moredun Research Institute's open day,
highlighting its value to the long term sustainability of
Scotland's farming.
The Minister said:
"As the Minister responsible for rural affairs, I am very
much aware of the disease issues facing the livestock industry
and I recognise the importance of the research work undertaken
at the Moredun Research Institute.
"The Institute has a strong history of innovation in the
area of animal health. Over the last 80 years it has been
responsible for research and development resulting in a range
of animal health vaccines.
"The Outline Animal Health and Welfare Strategy, which will
be published in the next few weeks, will underpin the need for
sustainability to be at the top of the agenda to ensure a
future for Scottish agriculture. It will provide a framework
for research, vaccination, disease controls, contingency
planning and operational decisions.
"A lot of work will be needed to develop safe, effective,
economically and environmentally sustainable methods of disease
control. I believe that Moredun is well placed to take a
central role in this important work."
The Moredun Research Institute's remit is to conduct
scientific research on infectious diseases of livestock.
Currently their programme of research includes work on various
diseases of livestock such as pasteurella, chlamydia, sheep
scab and parasitic gastro-enteritis.
In order to develop control measures for animal diseases, a
major part of its research programme is focused on the
development of veterinary vaccines.
In 2003-04 the Executive has provided the Institute with
grant-in-aid of £4.7 million, along with £500,000 capital
grant. This funding comprises about half of its annual
income.