Scottish Government matches funding to support Louping ill vaccine  

The Scottish Government will provide match-funding of up to £100,000 to support the development of a new vaccine against Louping ill — a serious tick-borne viral disease affecting sheep.  

The Scottish Government will provide match-funding to support the development of a new vaccine against Louping ill by Moredun.
Stock photo.

In naïve flocks, the disease can cause devastating losses, and currently there is no licensed vaccine available for Louping ill.  

An organisation committed to promoting livestock health and welfare through research and education, Moredun, has been crowdfunding to support the commercialisation of its newly developed vaccine, with the first phase requiring £720,000.  

The Scottish Government’s match funding offer, available until the end of December 2025, presents a unique chance to amplify industry support. Moredun is therefore encouraging farmers and stakeholders to make the most of this opportunity and help bring this vital vaccine to market. 

Moredun scientists have developed a new-generation vaccine to protect sheep against Louping Ill Virus (LIV). Although LIV can infect a range of species — including cattle, horses, dogs, and even humans.

The disease can have a high mortality rate in sheep and red grouse, of up to 50% and 80% respectively, when the virus is first encountered.

Since the withdrawal of the previous vaccine in 2017, and with tick populations increasing and spreading, cases of Louping ill have risen and expanded into new areas. The disease poses a major challenge for the sheep industry. 

Long-term backing helps turn science into on-farm solutions 

Moredun has a long-standing history of working to control Louping ill, having developed the first vaccine for the disease in the 1930s and a second version in the 1970s. 

Building on this legacy, the new vaccine has shown high levels of protection in experimental trials. Moredun is working with its industry partner, Kernfarm, to bring the vaccine to market. 

Professor Tom McNeilly, scientific director and CEO of Moredun, said: “We are extremely grateful to the Scottish Government for their sustained investment in this vaccine, from the early stages of vaccine development right through to this latest support for commercialisation.  

“This pledge takes us a significant step closer to making a new Louping ill vaccine widely available to farmers. But to unlock that funding and deliver this product, we need the support of the wider livestock industry.  

“With continued support from the wider industry and farming community, we’re confident we can reach our goal and bring this vital product to market.” 

Cabinet secretary for rural affairs Mairi Gougeon said that the Scottish Government welcomes the development of this vaccine against Louping ill by the Moredun Research Institute.  

“Continued investment in veterinary vaccine research is crucial for sustainable livestock farming, reducing antibiotic use, and supporting rural economies.  

“This investment offer of up to £100,000 in match funding will help Moredun develop a new vaccine against Louping ill, a disease that those working in the agriculture sector will know can devastate flocks,” she added. 

Due to the limited size of the UK market for a Louping ill vaccine, the usual route to commercialisation via large pharmaceutical companies was not feasible. Instead, Moredun has adopted a novel, industry-supported route involving three sequential phases.  

The first phase will involve transferring the vaccine to a commercial manufacturer and scaling up production. 

Moredun is now urging farmers to consider making this vaccine a reality and donate to the first phase of the commercialisation process, which involves moving the vaccine production to a commercial manufacturer and scaling up production.  

Read more livestock news


© Farmers Guide 2025. All Rights Reserved. Terms of Use Privacy Policy

Website Design by Unity Online

We have moved!

We’ve now moved to our new office in Stowmarket. If you wish to contact us please use our new address:

Unit 3-4 Boudicca Road, Suffolk Central Business Park, Stowmarket, IP14 1WF

Thank you,

The Farmers Guide Team