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 and Livestock Australia (MLA), Tiba Biotech, and the New South Wales Government.
While Australia remains free from FMD, 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 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,” he 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 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.
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.
Australian-based Tiba fo-founder Peter McGrath said the company was focused on working with 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,” he 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.”
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 was 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.
