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EPIC Scotland @epicscotland.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Thank you to all who contributed to our 2026 conference on the legacy and impact of the 2001 Foot-and-Mouth outbreak. Our final session heard from Prof Jasmina Panovska-Griffiths on developments in modelling, and a panel discussion on priorities for disease resilience. www.epicscotland.org

Prof Jasmina Panovska-Griffiths presents a talk to the EPIC conference.

Panellists sit under a screen showing results of an audience poll on priorities for outbreak response and resilience.

Audience members listen to a presentation at the EPIC conference.

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EPIC Scotland @epicscotland.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Our conference continues today on the theme of the legacy of Foot-and-Mouth Disease, 25 years on. Day two topics include policy perspective, quantifying outbreaks, applications of modelling, the National Reference Laboratory, and a panel discussion. #EPICConference2026 #FoodAndMouthDisease

A document detailing day two of the EPIC conference programme.

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EPIC Scotland @epicscotland.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Speakers on day one of our conference included Prof Maggie Mort of Lancaster University and UK Chief Vet Prof Christine Middlemiss, followed by Dr Sibylle Mohr from the University of Glasgow, and Dr Claire Hardy of the James Hutton Institute. Find our research online: www.epicscotland.org

Sibylle Mhor addresses the conference from a lectern.

Claire Hardy presents at the conference.

Christine Middlemiss presents at the conference.

Maggie Mort responds to a question from the audience.

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EPIC Scotland @epicscotland.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

We are set to welcome delegates to this year’s EPIC conference, focused on the legacy of Foot-and-Mouth Disease 25 years on, with talks, discussion and networking. See details of our discussion topics and speakers online: www.epicscotland.org/news/epic-20... #EPICConference2026

A large display banner featuring EPIC with the statement 'Working together for better animal health'.

A pop-up banner featuring EPIC at the entrance to a room, in which there are posters and a large display banner on show.

A reception desk with name badges and tote bags ready for delegates to collect.

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Reposted by EPIC Scotland

European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control @ecdc.europa.eu · 01/09/2026

West Nile virus is making headlines again across Europe. But this year’s activity is not unprecedented, and 2026 is not a record season. So what’s driving the current situation, how does it compare with previous years, and who is most at risk? 👇 #MosquitoBorne #IDsky #EpiSky

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EPIC Scotland @epicscotland.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Heading to the Royal Highland Show taking place in the Scottish Government Marquee? So are we! We'll be there on the 18th-19th June, so come and say hello to the EPIC team and have a chat. You can also catch our session on Bluetongue Virus on Thursday 18th June from 14.30 - 15.30 pm.

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EPIC Scotland @epicscotland.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

Yesterday, EPIC hosted an Impact Workshop at the University of Edinburgh, led by Jamie Gallagher @jamiebgall.co.uk. In a refreshing way, the interactive session explored how researchers can plan for and evidence meaningful research impact through practical examples and impact narratives.

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Reposted by EPIC Scotland

BioSS @bioss.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

We were delighted to host a recent visit from Vikki Halliday, Deputy Director of RESAS (Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services of the Scottish Government) www.bioss.ac.uk/news-events/...

bioss.ac.uk

Visit from Vikki Halliday, Deputy Director of RESAS

Vikki Halliday, Deputy Director of RESAS (Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services of the Scottish Government) visited BioSS on Tuesday 5th May 2026.

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Reposted by EPIC Scotland

SEFARI Gateway @sefariscot.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

🐑 What if livestock disease knowledge could be shared through a card game? Read this new blog on creative #ScienceCommunication in action ➡️ tinyurl.com/LivestockDis... @moredunfoundation.bsky.social

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EPIC Scotland @epicscotland.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

✈️ Travelling during the holidays? Don’t risk bringing back plant and animal products that may be contaminated. 🦠 Watch our animation to understand how contaminated products could cause disease spread in Great Britain. ➡️ youtu.be/D1lzg1x7gH4

youtu.be

Don't Risk It animation (short version)

YouTube video by EPIC Scotland

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EPIC Scotland @epicscotland.bsky.social · 14/10/2025

On 3 October, EPIC attended the third annual ENRA Conference. EPIC research that delivers impact across Scotland was showcased at our exhibitor stand, and through a presentation and poster. Access conference coverage and materials on our news page ➡️ www.epicscotland.org/news/epic-at...

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EPIC Scotland @epicscotland.bsky.social · 09/10/2025

📸 Camera traps are helping to identify the potentially significant role wildlife could have in transmitting diseases, including African swine fever, to livestock. 🐖 Access the news story ➡️ www.epicscotland.org/news/concern...

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EPIC Scotland @epicscotland.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

🚨 UK egg producers 🚨 Complete our survey by 31 October to tell EPIC and SRUC @ravicinverness.bsky.social scientists what data you collect and how it is kept. 🐓 Access the survey ➡️ www.epicscotland.org/news/uk-egg-...

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EPIC Scotland @epicscotland.bsky.social · 02/09/2025

Planning to travel outside the UK? ✈️ Don’t risk bringing back restricted animal and plant products, such as pork or seeds, as they could host harmful pathogens. EPIC and @planthealthscot.bsky.social produced an animation showing the risks: youtu.be/92y4gdX5-Ms

youtu.be

Don't Risk It: Don't Bring Animal and Plant Products into Great Britain

YouTube video by EPIC Scotland

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EPIC Scotland @epicscotland.bsky.social · 28/08/2025

EPIC’s Lucy Gilbert led a workshop which revealed the challenges the Scottish #livestock industry is facing due to the rise of ticks and tick-borne diseases.

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EPIC Scotland @epicscotland.bsky.social · 14/08/2025

📢 The draft version of the 2027-32 ENRA Research Strategy is now available for public consultation. The programme covers a broad range of issues critical to Scotland's environmental and agricultural futures. Give your views to inform the strategy’s development ➡️ consult.gov.scot/environment-...

consult.gov.scot

Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Research Strategy 2027-32 - Scottish Government consultations - Citizen Space

Find and participate in consultations run by The Scottish Government

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EPIC Scotland @epicscotland.bsky.social · 12/08/2025

Using supporting EPIC resources, @dundee.ac.uk MSc Medical Art Masters student Mary Jo Eden, makes information on avian influenza more accessible for poultry keepers and communities. Access her bird flu guide and 3D model ➡️ bird-flu-guide.weebly.com

bird-flu-guide.weebly.com

Bird Flu Guide

A virtual bird flu guide for chicken keepers and their communities

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EPIC Scotland @epicscotland.bsky.social · 08/08/2025

Last week, EPIC scientists facilitated a workshop to explore data ethics and evaluate potential applications of artificial intelligence in animal disease modelling. Professor Sam Lycett from @roslininstitute.bsky.social is developing a report based on the workshop’s findings.

Researchers at a board room table use their computers during an interactive workshop session.

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EPIC Scotland @epicscotland.bsky.social · 04/08/2025

🐄 Livestock keepers in or near bluetongue control zones are concerned about the direct impact of the disease, the indirect impacts on farm businesses and the mental health of farmers. Access the recent EPIC report ➡️ www.epicscotland.org/resources/re...

Text reads, Report.

Right side of image includes cows.

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EPIC Scotland @epicscotland.bsky.social · 23/07/2025

🚨 UK egg producers 🚨 Complete our survey by 31 July to tell EPIC and SRUC @ravicinverness.bsky.social scientists what data you collect and how it is kept. 🐓

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EPIC Scotland @epicscotland.bsky.social · 14/07/2025

As bluetongue restriction zones change, use the ‘Bluetongue Movements Checker’ for correct advice and requirements to move animals within or across a border in Great Britain. Access the interactive tool ➡️ ruminanthw.org.uk/bluetongue-v...

ruminanthw.org.uk

Bluetongue Movements Checker - Ruminant Health & Welfare

Cattle & Sheep Health & Welfare Survey 2020

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EPIC Scotland @epicscotland.bsky.social · 09/07/2025

Calling all UK egg producers! Complete a survey to help EPIC and @srucnews.bsky.social @ravicinverness.bsky.social scientists assess if there is enough data available to design prediction models that alert egg producers to flock problems. 🐓 Access the survey ➡️ www.epicscotland.org/news/uk-egg-...

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EPIC Scotland @epicscotland.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

Today, EPIC and @planthealthscot.bsky.social launched an animation explaining the risks of bringing animal and plant products into Great Britain. Watch the animation here ➡️ edin.ac/4kMtsqy

Jim Fairlie presents at EPIC and PHC launch.

Fiona Burnett presents at EPIC and PHC launch.

Gianluigi Rossi presents at EPIC and PHC launch.

John Jones presents at EPIC and PHC launch.

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Reposted by EPIC Scotland

BioSS @bioss.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

Our Iain McKendrick is at the Royal Highland Show 2025 to launch a new public information film. It warns about the risks from bringing animal and plant products into Scotland. 🧀🥩✈️ 🎦Watch here: www.epicscotland.org/resources/an... @epicscotland.bsky.social @planthealthscot.bsky.social @hutton.ac.uk

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Reposted by EPIC Scotland

planthealthscot.bsky.social @planthealthscot.bsky.social · 19/06/2025

'Think before you pack and don't bring it back' 🧳⛱️ Come along to our event at the Royal Highland Show with @epicscotland.bsky.social on 20th June at 1pm We will be showcasing our new animation 📽️ Talks from scientists @epicscotland.bsky.social @srucnews.bsky.social and @hutton.ac.uk

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EPIC Scotland @epicscotland.bsky.social · 19/06/2025

We’re here at the Royal Highland Show today and tomorrow. 🐄 🐖🐓 Stop by our stall in the Scottish Government marquee to learn about our new #animation, and try identifying #animals in our camera trap photos for a sweet reward!

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EPIC Scotland @epicscotland.bsky.social · 30/05/2025

Midge traps placed on farms allow EPIC researchers to study active times and diversity of #midge populations across #Scotland. Watch BBC’s Landward starting at 03:15 to learn how this project helps determine risk periods for #Bluetongue virus ➡️ www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...

bbc.co.uk

BBC Scotland - Landward, 2025, Episode 9

Dougie reports on the bluetongue virus and meets the Scottish scientists studying it.

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EPIC Scotland @epicscotland.bsky.social · 21/05/2025

Historic Bluetongue (BTV-3) cases in cattle have limited the movement of livestock in England. Early EPIC modelling work reported that higher temperatures lead to larger outbreaks of BTV-3 but impacts to Scotland are minimal ➡️ edin.ac/3ZnmVtC

Cows in a field. Text reads: Poster, Modelling BTV-3 for Scotland. Click the URL in the post to access the poster PDF.

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EPIC Scotland @epicscotland.bsky.social · 09/05/2025

Dr David Ewing recently spoke about the Mosquito #Scotland project, which will help scientists monitor future changes in #mosquito populations and assess mosquito-borne #disease risk. Listen to David’s interview on BBC Sounds - from 30:52 ➡️ www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

bbc.co.uk

Afternoons - With Gemma Cairney - Robin Ince and ADHD - BBC Sounds

Gemma Cairney brings you feel-good music and chat with celebrity guests.

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EPIC Scotland @epicscotland.bsky.social · 08/05/2025

Watch EPIC’s cross-border #livestock movement analyses work receive a mention at the Scottish industry #Bluetongue virus webinar. Neil Wilson, Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in #Scotland, discusses potential #trade impacts of #BTV movement restrictions ➡️ youtu.be/48aCElM09W8?...

youtu.be

Bluetongue Virus - Scottish industry webinar - 15 April 2025 - Meeting Recording

YouTube video by ScotGov Rural

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Reposted by EPIC Scotland

Grant Henderson @grant-w-henderson.bsky.social · 25/04/2025

Hello! Great to meet you 👋 I'm new to Bluesky, but very happy to be here 💙 I'm based at @bioss.bsky.social, working as part of the @epicscotland.bsky.social consortium on Bayesian Inference approaches for stochastic epidemic modelling.

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Reposted by EPIC Scotland

BioSS @bioss.bsky.social · 15/04/2025

Check out this talk from our Dr Stephen Catterall at the recent @epicscotland.bsky.social Conference. 🦠🐖📊 #AnimalDisease #DataScience #Statistics

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EPIC Scotland @epicscotland.bsky.social · 23/04/2025

Can #AI tools be used to build trust? 💭 #Privacy Enhancing #Technology could help maximise #data reuse and build #trust in decision-making processes. Watch the full talk from Chief Data Officer at Scottish Government, Tom Wilkinson, at EPIC Conference 2025. ➡️ youtu.be/vSYX4iEhrBU

Tom Wilkinson speaking to audience at EPIC Conference 2025.

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EPIC Scotland @epicscotland.bsky.social · 16/04/2025

Watch Miruna Clinciu from Edinburgh Centre for #Robotics present, "Taming the Black Box: Explainable #AI for #OneHealth," at EPIC Conference 2025 ➡️ youtu.be/8bci8Nft8oA

Miruna presenting at EPIC Conference 2025.

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EPIC Scotland @epicscotland.bsky.social · 10/04/2025

While modelling the spatial spread of #AnimalDisease with limited #data, the iPAR approach can help fill a gap to ensure we are prepared for future #disease outbreaks. Watch Dr Stephen Catterall from @bioss.bsky.social, speak at EPIC Conference 2025 ➡️ youtu.be/6-FpBdWi80Q?...

Stephen Catterall speaks at EPIC Conference 2025.

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EPIC Scotland @epicscotland.bsky.social · 08/04/2025

#MachineLearning approaches can offer cost and time efficiencies when diagnosing Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) cases. Access Niamh Mimnagh’s full presentation on predicting #outbreaks of BVD for Irish #cattle herds, on our conference playlist ➡️ www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...

Niamh presenting at EPIC conference 2025.

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EPIC Scotland @epicscotland.bsky.social · 04/04/2025

Thank you to Jenny Capon for creating a graphic #illustration, capturing key topics and themes discussed at EPIC Conference 2025. Is there a topic that you want to learn more about? Access the conference summary and full session recordings in our latest news post. 🔗 edin.ac/4lfj7UI

Visual minutes for EPIC conference 2025.
Title: Building a resilient future for animal health and welfare.
AI
BVD
iPAR
Spatial Spread
Positive messaging needed
Data is imperfect.

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EPIC Scotland @epicscotland.bsky.social · 03/04/2025

Demonstrating data-driven #innovation in EPIC’s research, Dr Sibylle Mohr presented her work at EPIC Conference 2025. Access her full talk on using #livestock movement data for effective decision-making on #bluetongue control ➡️ youtu.be/zAPSFKQHZ80

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EPIC Scotland @epicscotland.bsky.social · 31/03/2025

EPIC Conference 2025 gathered #scientists, #livestock industry stakeholders, and #policymakers to explore current and future uses of Data-Driven Innovation (DDI) in the livestock industry and other #OneHealth sectors. Access all session recordings in our latest news story ➡️ edin.ac/4lfj7UI

Iain McKendrick opening the EPIC conference

Harriet Auty closing the EPIC conference

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EPIC Scotland @epicscotland.bsky.social · 28/03/2025

Today, EPIC scientist Gianluigi Rossi facilitated a #workshop on New #Technologies and Advances to tackle African Swine Fever, with six invited speakers from across the UK, Spain, Italy, and Germany. Thank you to other supporters @roslininstitute.bsky.social and BBSRC.

Presenter stands at front of room in front of map on screen.

Screen displays conclusions at ASF workshop.

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Reposted by EPIC Scotland

planthealthscot.bsky.social @planthealthscot.bsky.social · 24/03/2025

How exciting for the @planthealthscot.bsky.social to be on #Bluesky to connect with the #science community on #planthealth. Follow us to keep up to date on #planthealth research, events and project calls. 🌱🌷🌳

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EPIC Scotland @epicscotland.bsky.social · 20/03/2025

Islanders met in Inverness last month for the first Pan-Island Network meeting to discuss #animal #disease control and develop action plans for the #Scottish islands. Learn about the EPIC facilitators and ongoing work that built the foundation for this meeting www.epicscotland.org/news/buildin...

Crofters and vets look to the front of a room where an EPIC facilitator is speaking.

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EPIC Scotland @epicscotland.bsky.social · 11/03/2025

It was great to hear from EPIC and @bioss.bsky.social scientists Stephen Catterall and Giles Innocent at EPIC Conference 2025 last week. Their work in EPIC is closely tied to data-driven #innovation, and they offered insights on alternative ways to approach dealing with #data sets. 📊

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Reposted by EPIC Scotland

BioSS @bioss.bsky.social · 07/03/2025

Our Giles Innocent presented at the 2025 @epicscotland.bsky.social Conference, contributing to key discussions on using data-driven research to improve animal health and welfare. 🐄🐑📈

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EPIC Scotland @epicscotland.bsky.social · 05/03/2025

In our first session of day two, we explore how EPIC is using data-driven #innovation. Giles Innocent from @bioss.bsky.social explains #data issues in models, and the proposed 'gold standard' of data in the event of an outbreak. He asks if models should work at the #animal rather than #farm level.

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EPIC Scotland @epicscotland.bsky.social · 05/03/2025

Yesterday, Tom Wilkinson, Chief Data Officer at Scottish Government was our second keynote, discussing AI opportunities and challenges. He shared the ethics of using AI, and applications of Machine Vision used in the NHS and Marine Scotland, which could be considered in the #livestock sector.

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EPIC Scotland @epicscotland.bsky.social · 04/03/2025

Our first keynote of the EPIC conference is Professor Christos Tachtatzis from the University of Strathclyde. He explained how #cameras and machine vision can be used to replicate and extend, existing sensors to democratise #digitalisation and collect #data on #livestock. 🐄

Christos Tachtatzis from the University of Strathclyde speaking at EPIC Conference 2025.

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