Breakthrough in Agriculture: Biodegradable Vaccine for Foot and Mouth Disease

A groundbreaking initiative has emerged from a $20 million, five-year research partnership involving Meat & Livestock Australia, Tiba Biotech, and the NSW Government. This collaboration has led to the development of a world-first biodegradable vaccine aimed at protecting livestock from Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).

Although Australia currently remains FMD-free, the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) has projected that an incursion of FMD could result in economic losses of up to $80 billion. The ramifications would be severe, affecting trade, animal welfare, and overall farm productivity.

Michael Crowley, Managing Director of MLA, emphasized the proactive nature of this research, stating, “While we hope that an FMD vaccine will never be required, this represents a strategic approach to managing biosecurity risks.” He highlighted the proximity of FMD in neighboring countries as a significant concern for the industry.

In initial trials conducted in Germany, the new vaccine demonstrated a robust immune response and safety. Notably, vaccinated cattle remained uninfected and did not shed the virus when exposed to FMD.

This innovative biodegradable vaccine utilizes mRNA technology to provoke an immune response without introducing a live virus, an approach proven to be safe for both animals and consumers.

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The next step involves a thorough evaluation by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) prior to the vaccine’s approval for livestock use.

“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,” said NSW Minister for Agriculture, Regional and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty.

She further expressed that developing local capacity for vaccine production against emergency animal diseases is vital for the NSW Government, Australia’s livestock industries, and the broader economy.

Peter McGrath, co-founder of Tiba, stated their commitment to working with regulators to ensure the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. “Australia is now at the forefront of livestock vaccine development, bringing potential benefits in job creation and exports,” said Mr. McGrath.

He elaborated on the advantages of livestock mRNA vaccines, highlighting their safe, efficient, and effective method of protecting animal health. “Unlike existing mRNA technologies, our vaccines can be stored long-term at standard refrigeration temperatures and at room temperature for at least one month, a crucial advantage in livestock applications.”

An FMD-infected animal in Indonesia. Picture: Dr Ross Ainsworth.

The extensive research also evaluated the safety of Tiba’s vaccines, with results indicating they are safe even at dosages far exceeding what would ever be administered. Furthermore, the project is focused on developing a vaccine for lumpy skin disease, another significant exotic disease threat to Australia.

mRNA vaccines enable animals to generate proteins and antibodies that initiate an immune response without entering the nucleus of their cells, disappearing within days while leaving behind antibodies for defense against viruses.

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

Source: MLA