$20 million research partnerships see Australia pioneer world-first Foot and Mouth Disease vaccine

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 & Livestock Australia, Tiba Biotech, and the NSW Government.

While Australia remains FMD free, modelling from Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) has estimated an incursion of the disease could cost the Australian economy up to $80 billion and have a catastrophic impact on trade, animal welfare and farm productivity.

MLA Managing Director, Michael Crowley, said while it was hoped that 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,” Mr Crowley 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 that 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.

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

“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.”