Introducing the New LIV Vaccine Initiative
- Andrew Gilruth
- Jun 20, 2025
- 1 min read
The Moorland Association is pleased to share an important update from the Moredun Research Institute and Kernfarm: the development of a new vaccine against Louping-ill (LIV), a disease that threatens both livestock and red grouse populations in the UK uplands.
Since the previous LIV vaccine was withdrawn in 2018, cases of the disease have risen significantly, creating challenges for animal health, conservation and upland management. In response, the Moredun Research Institute, supported by organisations including GWCT, is developing a safer, non-infectious recombinant vaccine.
Early results are highly promising, showing strong immune responses in sheep and a significant reduction in disease symptoms.
This vaccine could bring major benefits:
Better protection for sheep and grouse
Reduced impact of ticks
Lower dependence on acaricides, helping protect non-target invertebrates
Although tick control will still require acaricides, this vaccine offers a valuable new tool in disease management.
Development is progressing in partnership with Kernfarm, a specialist in veterinary medicines. The full process, from manufacturing to regulatory approval, is expected to take around three years, with a target release date of 2027–2028.
We encourage all members to review the full document.
If you have any questions, please contact Robert Benson on robert.benson@hotmail.com.
