Lochhead announced that the Scottish Government will be contributing £1m to the £11.5 UK initiative by Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), to help reduce the occurrence of endemic diseases and promote animal health and welfare.  

Lochhead said it was important that Scotland played its part in the wider UK scientific effort to combat animal disease as good animal health is “vital” to the well being and prosperity of communities. 

He continued: "Some of these diseases have been identified as priorities for reduction or eradication by the Scottish farming industry. The results will contribute to addressing these diseases and help to promote animal health and welfare. 

"There is an increasing emphasis in Scotland on collaboration in science and I welcome this opportunity of joint collaborative working both between research bodies and also between UK research funders."  

Four of the ten UK projects taking part in the Combating Endemic Diseases of Farmed Animals for Sustainability (CEDFAS) are Scottish bodies, and include the Moredun Research Institute, Glasgow and Edinburgh universities and the Roslin Institute. The research in Scotland will include resistance to worming treatments and bovine tuberculosis. 

Professor Maggie Gill, Scottish Executive Rural and Environment Chief Scientific Adviser, said: "This research is extremely important for the Scottish farming industry. Much of this work is being undertaken by Scottish researchers and we are fortunate in Scotland to have internationally respected scientists who make important contributions in both UK and international arenas. This initiative will help maintain and develop the excellence of this research base." 

Professor Nigel Brown, BBSRC Director of Science and Technology, added: "Endemic animal diseases cost UK farmers and consumers huge amounts of money every year and cause real suffering for animals. The projects launched today are targeted at bringing the country's world-class science to bear against some of the most damaging diseases. By working with farmers and industry, scientists can make a real difference in areas where help is needed."

More information on CEDFAS is available here.