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, says while it is hoped a FMD vaccine will 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,” Michael says.
“Vaccination may not necessarily be required in the event of a disease incursion, but this research demonstrates the Australian industry is proactive and prepared,” he says.
Researchers found the new vaccine demonstrates 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.
“The delivery of an FMD vaccine is a commitment to safeguarding livestock from key biosecurity threats and ensuring the state’s agriculture industry can thrive,” NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty says.
“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, says 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,” Peter says.
“Livestock mRNA vaccines offer a safe, efficient and effective approach to protecting animal health, benefiting both the agricultural industry and consumers,” he adds.
“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, which found them 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.
