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In a significant development for the livestock industry, a newly tested mRNA vaccine for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in large animals, developed in Australia, has demonstrated high effectiveness in preventing infection and virus shedding.
The preliminary trials, carried out in Germany, revealed that vaccinated cattle not only remained disease-free but also did not shed the virus, a crucial factor in stopping transmission. This breakthrough could potentially revolutionise biosecurity for livestock not only in Australia but worldwide.
Key potential benefits of this mRNA vaccine compared to existing vaccines include:
- Biodegradability and improved safety profile.
- Storage advantages: The vaccine can be stored at refrigeration or even room temperature for up to a month, enhancing rapid deployment in field and emergency situations without requiring ultra-cold chain logistics.
- Rapid production speed: The vaccine was developed in under 18 months, allowing a faster response to outbreaks.
- Local production capacity: Australia now can produce its own vaccine, increasing biosecurity and reducing reliance on imports.
- DIVA (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals) capability: This feature helps distinguish vaccinated animals from those actually infected, easing disease surveillance and trade restrictions post-outbreak.
- Economic impact mitigation: By preventing outbreaks, the vaccine could avoid catastrophic losses estimated up to AUD 80 billion for Australia’s meat and dairy industries and maintain food supply and export continuity.
The new vaccine is particularly interesting for Australia due to its production method not requiring a complete virus. This is significant as large livestock populations in Australia are at risk from the pathogen, which is greatly respected in the country.
Research is also being conducted on possible mRNA vaccines for other animal diseases. However, further work is needed before a possible approval of the mRNA vaccine for foot-and-mouth disease. The timeline for the approval process could not be given by the FLI spokesperson.
It's worth noting that the vaccine for foot-and-mouth disease was developed by companies from the USA and Australia. The disease was discovered in a water buffalo herd in Hönow, Brandenburg district of Märkisch-Oderland, Germany, marking the first occurrence in the country in decades. The tests were carried out at the highest veterinary medical security level 4.
The researchers assume that the vaccinated animals will not spread the virus further. This first successful test of an mRNA vaccine against foot-and-mouth disease with large animals could pave the way for a safer, faster, and more practical alternative to traditional FMD vaccines, with critical implications for outbreak control and economic protection.
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- The new mRNA vaccine for foot-and-mouth disease in large animals, developed in Australia, aligns with the country's health policy, as it has the potential to significantly improve the health and wellness of livestock and mitigate economic impact estimated up to AUD 80 billion for Australia’s meat and dairy industries.
- As the research on possible mRNA vaccines for other animal diseases progresses, it would be essential to establish a community policy that supports the development and approval of such vaccines, considering their potential to prevent and control various medical-conditions affecting livestock, thereby fostering the overall growth of science and biosecurity in the industry worldwide.
