Moredun are delighted to announce that Downland, a UK wide network of independently owned agricultural retailers who specialise in the dairy, beef and sheep sectors, have joined up with Moredun to provide their professional sales advisors and Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs) with the most up to date research information on a range of endemic infectious diseases of livestock. Moredun are particularly pleased to have this association as we are committed to effective knowledge exchange to the livestock industry and the extensive network of SQPs in the UK supplying animal health products to farmers are a very important part of the industry, where fully updated research facts are extremely important. Animal Health Distributors Association (UK) Ltd is already an associate member of Moredun so the addition of Downland to our membership strengthens our connections to the animal health retail industry to the benefit of both this area of the industry and Moredun.
Julie Fitzpatrick, Scientific Director of the Moredun Research Institute and Chief Executive of the Moredun Foundation, said:
“We very pleased that Downland are joining us and look forward to a fruitful association on both sides. Joining Moredun means that all their staff have access to the latest research information. This is particularly important for SQPs as they will now have the opportunity to learn more about specific livestock health problems, so that they can make informed recommendations to their farmer clients about disease control on their farms.”
Stuart Stamper, Operations Manager at Downland said:
“The Downland ethos is to provide farmers with the ‘Best Advice’ therefore working in partnership with the Moredun Research Institute enables our professional sales advisors and Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs) to be leaders in the field when it comes to advising farmers on livestock health planning.”
To mark the new relationship, Moredun welcomed Downland to their research facilities as part of their annual conference on Tuesday 6th December. The day at Moredun enabled the attending SQPs to gain AMTRA CPD points and to update their knowledge in liver fluke control in livestock and learn about strategies to control Cryptosporidium on farms. A master class in Worm Egg Counting (WEC) for the gastro-intestinal nematodes important to livestock health and production was held and very much enjoyed by the 64 delegates who attended, who had the opportunity to try their hand at WEC so gaining personal experience of the technique and importantly, interpretation of the test results.
Additional Information
The Moredun Foundation is a registered charity that supports livestock health and welfare through research and education. Formed by farmers over 90 years ago, The Moredun Foundation governs the work of the Moredun Research Institute in Edinburgh.
Moredun Research Institute is internationally recognised for its work on the infectious diseases of sheep and other livestock animals. The Moredun group employs over 150 scientists, vets and support staff to develop effective treatments, diagnostic tests and vaccines to safeguard livestock health. Many of the veterinary medicines and vaccines that are routinely used on farm have been researched, developed or tested at Moredun.
Downland Marketing Ltd is a UK wide network of independently owned agricultural retailers who work together to share knowledge and expertise to supply a wide range of animal health and nutritional products to farmers. We specialise in the dairy, beef and sheep sectors and strive to offer the best advice to ensure our farmer customers are as efficient and successful as possible. Founded in 1979, Downland is known for its high quality products, professional, personalised service and ethos of working with farmers to develop strong, long-lasting relationships. All Downland retailers are supported by experienced, highly trained, professional sales advisors committed to offering best advice, including Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs), who are qualified to advise on and prescribe POM-VPS Veterinary Medicines.
Further information about the work of the Moredun Foundation can be obtained from;
The Communications Team
The Moredun Foundation, Pentlands Science Park
Bush Loan, Penicuik, EH26 0PZ
Tel: 0131 445 5111
Fax: 0131 445 6235
Email: info@moredun.org.uk