Breakthrough in Animal Health: The First mRNA Vaccine for Foot-and-Mouth Disease

In a remarkable achievement, researchers have developed the first mRNA vaccine for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) within a mere 18 months. But what exactly does this mean for animal health, and how could it be implemented during an emergency?

“Australia remains free of FMD thanks to strict biosecurity protocols,” stated Professor Pall Thordarson, Director of the UNSW RNA Institute.

FMD poses a significant risk to cattle, sheep, pigs, and goats. According to Prof. Thordarson, should the virus breach Australian borders, it could devastate the meat and dairy industries.

“The virus is present in Indonesia and other countries, and it wouldn’t take much for an accident to occur,” he warned, recalling the last FMD outbreak in the UK when millions of cows had to be slaughtered to control the spread.

A Successful History

Developed by a collaborative team from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and biotech firm Tiba Biotech, with financial backing from Meat & Livestock Australia, this nanoparticle-based mRNA vaccine addresses various biosecurity concerns for Australian farmers.

Unlike traditional vaccines, which often involve weakened or killed viruses, mRNA vaccines are synthetic and sterile. This innovative approach echoes the successful mRNA technology used to combat COVID-19.

“Conventional FMD vaccines require large-scale virus cultivation, which can be risky,” noted Prof. Thordarson. “In contrast, mRNA vaccines contain no live virus; they instruct the immune system to recognize virus components.”

Previous projects using similar technology proved effective against the border disease virus (BDV) in Australian sheep, paving the way for this new FMD vaccine aimed at rapid response.

Emergency Use Only

This groundbreaking vaccine aims to get ahead of an emergency and is currently in testing phases to meet Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) standards.

“With an outbreak, we need anywhere from 100,000 to a million doses,” Prof. Thordarson emphasized. “We can quickly contain an outbreak without resorting to mass animal culling.”

Until a dedicated RNA manufacturing facility opens next year, UNSW’s labs will function as an emergency production site, providing a crucial lifeline during potential outbreaks of diseases like FMD and lumpy skin disease.

A New Era in Disease Control

Australia’s red meat and livestock exports generate around $80 billion each year. By preventing outbreaks, this innovation not only safeguards animal health but also protects economic interests and food supply.

Prof. Thordarson highlights the potential of mRNA vaccines extending beyond emergencies, aiming for everyday disease prevention in agriculture, including threats like bird flu and swine viruses.

While the costs of mRNA-based vaccines currently prevent widespread use, researchers are optimistic about refining production methods and delivery systems over the next five to ten years.

Conclusion: Science Before the Storm

The development of mRNA vaccines for animals offers hope for more effective disease management in agriculture.
As Prof. Thordarson pointed out, understanding and innovating these technologies today could provide significant advantages for farmers in the near future.

Source: UNSW