1. Improved diagnosis of sheep scab: Continue developing a blood test providing DIVA capacity (differentiating between vaccinated and infected animals) for integrated use alongside the sheep scab vaccine. The novel antigen selected has worked very well in tests so far. Detected cross-reactivity using serum from vaccinated sheep, likely due to bacterial contamination, will be avoided by next expressing the antigens in yeast.  

2: Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex (BRDC): We have added 40 further lung samples from surveillance submissions to the archive, and the delayed in vivo BRDC natural exposure study started in February 2025.  

3: Development of a mycolic acid-based ELISA for Johne’s Disease: An extended panel of antigens was tested using samples from animals on farms at low-risk for paratuberculosis.  Significant differences were seen between these and animals on high-risk properties, which indicates the potential sensitivity of the test and is very promising. Further optimisation will determine which antigen combinations give the greatest discriminatory power.  

4: Pen-side diagnostics for management of ovine abortions: We have validated a simple, affordable and complete testing process for Chlamydia abortus using new DNA primers, which demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity and is very promising. We are also evaluating options for pen-side compatible detection systems.  

5: Development of a CRISPR-based molecular test for endemic pathogens: We have validated highly specific SHERLOCK assays for Louping Ill Virus (LIV) and Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP).  

6: Improving the diagnostic rate in livestock abortions: This is being achieved by the application of digitisation and deep learning methods. Suitable clinical cases have been identified and different strategies evaluated, which will now be applied to the case studies.  

 7: Improved sequence and serological typing of bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV): Scottish BVDV genome sequences were submitted to the European Nucleotide Archive. Four fusion genes encoding the pestivirus E2 glycoprotein were expressed and detected by pooled BVDV-specific serum. This is promising progress and the next step is to assess their potential to distinguish BVD1, BVD2 and BDV infected sera.  

8: In vitro detection of macrocyclic lactone insensitivity in the cattle lungworm Dictyocaulus: We continue to collect and archive field-derived lungworm isolates. Characterisation of anthelmintic sensitivity has been challenging, and new, more sensitive molecular techniques are now being adopted to address this. KE: All Knowledge exchange objectives were completed, including attendance at the Royal Highland Show and national and international conferences, and presenting our research outputs at the Moredun Press Day. 

This project is creating new tools to better control, monitor, and prevent common livestock diseases, directly supporting farmers and improving animal health and welfare. All Year 2 objectives were achieved, with two updated timelines agreed for Year 3.

Year 2 highlights include:

• Sheep scab and cattle mange: A new blood test is being developed that can tell the difference between vaccinated and infected animals (DIVA capacity). It has shown greater accuracy than existing tests and has also been validated for use in cattle with mange.

• Bovine respiratory disease (BRD): An archive of over 60 lung samples has been built, helping to improve understanding and diagnosis of this costly condition.

• Johne’s disease: Promising new diagnostic candidates have been identified using synthetic molecules, with further test development planned for Year 3.

• Ovine abortion: Progress has been made in adapting laboratory tests for use on-farm, with encouraging results for Chlamydia abortus. More tests will be trialled in Year 3.

• New molecular diagnostics: A highly specific test was developed for Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus, with lessons feeding into test development for other diseases, including louping ill virus and Johne’s disease (MAP).

• Digital pathology: Access to archived surveillance cases has been improved, paving the way for more accurate diagnosis of livestock abortions using digitised samples and AI tools.

• Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD): Four new complete viral genomes were sequenced, helping track strains and supporting better disease control in Scottish herds.

• Lungworm: Improved methods for rearing larvae have been developed, and new molecular tools are being created to overcome challenges in detecting resistance to worming treatments.

Beyond the lab, the team shared their work widely at the Royal Highland Show, international conferences, and the Moredun Press Day, helping ensure the benefits of this research reach farmers and the wider livestock industry.

This project is developing new tools and technologies to improve the control, monitoring, and prevention of common livestock diseases. By creating practical and affordable tests, the work directly benefits farmers and the wider livestock industry, while also supporting better animal health and welfare.

Year 1 highlights include:

• Sheep scab: A new blood test is being developed that can distinguish between vaccinated and infected animals. Early results show excellent accuracy, paving the way for integration with a future sheep scab vaccine.

• Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex (BRDC): Progress was made in building a valuable archive of lung samples from affected cattle. A large natural exposure study has been delayed due to licensing approvals but will now take place in Year 2.

• Johne’s disease: Samples from affected and disease-free herds are being used to test a new diagnostic approach based on synthetic mycolic acids, with laboratory methods now optimised for screening.

• Ovine abortion: Tissue samples and associated data have been fully collected, providing a strong foundation for new diagnostic work.

• Next-generation diagnostics: Cutting-edge tools are being explored, including CRISPR-based tests for livestock pathogens, and deep learning approaches to improve diagnosis of livestock abortions from digitised tissue samples.

• BVD virus: Whole-genome sequencing methods were developed and successfully tested on major UK strains, improving our ability to track and understand this costly cattle disease.

• Cattle lungworm: Work is underway to develop a test for resistance to commonly used worm treatments, helping farmers manage cases where treatments are becoming less effective.

Alongside these scientific advances, the team shared their work widely, from presenting at international conferences to engaging directly with farmers at the Royal Highland Show and the Moredun Annual Press Day.