Moredun veterinary scientist Dr David Smith has received the inaugural Veterinary Record Innovation Award on behalf of the team who developed Barbervax®, a vaccine for the Barber`s Pole worm (Haemonchus contortus). The award recognises innovation in the veterinary sphere.
The Barbers Pole worm is a globally important roundworm parasite of sheep and goats. It is a voracious bloodsucker causing anaemia which can readily become fatal. Barbervax is the first vaccine in the world for a worm parasite of sheep. It was registered for commercial use in Australia in 2014 where the worm has a major impact on the sheep industry. The vaccine was developed after many years of research at Moredun headed by Dr Smith.
Professor Julie Fitzpatrick, Moredun’s Scientific Director and Chief Executive, said “We are delighted to have received this award for Barbervax® in recognition of the innovative approach taken by the team in the successful development of this important vaccine.”
Dr David Smith commented: “I am very pleased to accept the award, Barber`s Pole worm is a major production and welfare problem for sheep farmers across the world, in particular as strains resistant to anthelmintic drugs are common and widespread. Barbervax will significantly reduce the impact of this parasite.”
Suzanne Jarvis, Managing Editor of the Veterinary Record said: "For this new award we were pleased to receive a broad range of quality nominations. However, the clear winner was David Smith and colleagues at the Moredun Research Institute for Barbervax. The judges felt this entry truly demonstrated innovation. The product is innovative as is the science that led to its development. Ultimately, as Barbervax is now available commercially the team behind it has been able to demonstrate not only that it is innovative but also that it is able to improve the health and welfare of treated sheep."
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24th September 2015
Notes to editors
Barbervax®: For further details visit http://barbervax.com.au/
Haemonchus contortus is the most important roundworm parasite of sheep and goats in the world. For further details visit http://www.moredun.org.uk/research/research-%40-moredun/parasitic-worms/nematode-vaccines
Moredun Research Institute conducts internationally recognised research on the infectious diseases of livestock, caused by important viruses, bacteria and parasites. It employs scientists and vets that work to improve animal welfare, ensure food safety, reduce adverse impacts on the environment, and to contribute to sustainable communities through economic development across Scotland and beyond. Moredun’s research focuses on understanding the interaction of the disease pathogen with the host species, in identifying new targets for improved diagnostic tests and in development of novel vaccines for many diseases. For further details visit www.moredun.org.uk
Veterinary Record is one of more than 50 specialist journals published by BMJ. The title is owned and published on behalf of the British Veterinary Association (BVA) as part of BMJ’s contract publishing programme. http://veterinaryrecord.bmj.com
For further information please contact:
Professor Elisabeth A Innes
Principal Scientist and Director of Communication
Moredun Research Institute
Pentlands Science Park
Edinburgh EH26 OPZ
Tel: 0131 445 6157