A world-first biodegradable vaccine to protect livestock from foot and mouth disease (FMD) has been developed through a $20 million, five-year research partnership between Meat & Livestock Australia, Tiba Biotech, and the NSW Government.

Cattle infected with FMD in Indonesia. Pictures: Dr Ross Ainsworth.

While Australia remains FMD free, modelling from Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) has estimated an FMD incursion could cost the Australian economy up to $80 billion. An incursion would have a catastrophic impact on trade, animal welfare and farm productivity.

MLA Managing Director, Michael Crowley, said while it was hoped that an FMD vaccine would never be needed, the research represented a proactive approach to managing biosecurity risk.

“FMD is present in countries near to Australia and is front of mind for industry in terms of potential biosecurity risks,” Mr Crowley said.

“Vaccination may not necessarily be required in the event of a disease incursion, but this research demonstrates that the Australian industry is proactive and prepared.”

Researchers found that the new vaccine demonstrated strong, effective immune response and safety in preliminary trials in Germany. Vaccinated cattle did not contract FMD when exposed to the disease and, importantly, they did not shed the virus.

The new biodegradable vaccine uses mRNA to induce an immune response, rather than an actual virus. mRNA vaccines have been proven safe for animals and for consumers.

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Following these trials, the vaccine must now undergo a rigorous evaluation process with the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) before approval for use on livestock.

“The delivery of an FMD vaccine is part of the Minns Government’s commitment to safeguarding livestock from key biosecurity threats and ensuring the state’s agriculture industry can thrive,” NSW Minister for Agriculture, Regional and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty, said.

“Developing local capacity to produce vaccines against emergency animal diseases is a critical priority for the NSW Government, Australia’s livestock industries and our economy.”

Australian-based Tiba Co-Founder, Peter McGrath, said the company is focused on working regulators to ensure vaccine safety and effectiveness.

“Australia is now at the forefront of livestock vaccine development, bringing with it the potential to develop manufacturing capacity, jobs, and exports,” Mr McGrath said.

“Livestock mRNA vaccines offer a safe, efficient and effective approach to protecting animal health, benefiting both the agricultural industry and consumers.

“Unlike current mRNA technologies, our vaccines can be stored long term at standard refrigeration temperatures and even at room temperature for at least one month. This is a critical advantage in livestock applications.”

An FMD infected in Indonesia unable to stand due to painful food lesions. Picture: Dr Ross Ainsworth

The research included an extensive evaluation of the safety of Tiba’s vaccines. These evaluations found Tiba’s vaccines safe at very high doses much larger than would ever be administered.

The project is also conducting similar research to develop a vaccine for lumpy skin disease, which is also a significant exotic disease threat to Australia.

mRNA vaccines allow the animal to create proteins and antibodies to trigger an immune response. They do this without entering the nucleus of cells and disappear from the animal within days, leaving antibodies behind for protection against the virus.

The project has also included input from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, the German Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut and Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Source: MLA