Equine Grass Sickness

Norvite has a number of collaborations with academic and veterinary professionals. One relationship we particularly value is our ongoing work with the Moredun Research Institute. The Moredun is world-renowned for the promotion of livestock health and welfare through research and education.

The Moredun Foundation Equine Grass Sickness Fund (EGSF) is the only registered UK charity raising funds specifically for research into Equine Grass Sickness. Dr Beth Wells, Principal Research Scientist, leads the team investigating the causal agent and preventative strategy for EGS. Beth has championed a multidisciplinary approach, exemplified by the Research Crucible meeting in March 2022 which engaged a cross-section of academic specialisms from a multitude of organisations. Looking at this disease in fresh ways and harnessing innovative laboratory techniques, such as proteomics and organelle cultures, provides hope that we can look forward to a EGS-free future.

Norvite has facilitated several knowledge-exchange events to support The Moredun Foundation EGS Fund by supporting fundraising and raising awareness of the research effort. David McClelland, our Technical Director, has been actively involved in a Longitudinal Study in collaboration with Moredun and World Horse Welfare (WHW). Since Spring 2022, soils and forages have been sampled from selected sites at WHW Belwade in Aberdeenshire. According to David, “We are playing a very small part, but are proud to collaborate in the search for a cure of this devastating disease. It is a concerted effort by horse owners and industry to support the work of the EGSF and enable scientists to make progress in the understanding of Equine Grass Sickness.”