Australian scientists have achieved a world-first breakthrough in livestock biosecurity with the development of an mRNA vaccine that provides complete protection against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). The vaccine emerged from a $20 million, five-year research partnership between Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), Tiba Biotech, and the NSW Government.
Complete Protection Demonstrated in Trials
Preliminary trials conducted in Germany showed remarkable efficacy, with all nine vaccinated cattle remaining completely protected when exposed to the virus. Crucially, the vaccinated animals did not contract FMD and, importantly, did not shed the virus - an achievement that has "never been achieved anywhere in the world before," according to Dr Peter Kirkland from the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute.
The new biodegradable vaccine uses mRNA technology to induce an immune response without using actual virus components. Unlike conventional vaccines, mRNA vaccines instruct muscle cells to produce viral proteins that trigger antibody production, with the mRNA naturally breaking down in the body within days while leaving protective antibodies behind.
Economic Imperative and Biosecurity Risk
The development addresses a critical biosecurity threat, with modeling from the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) estimating that an FMD incursion could cost the Australian economy up to $80 billion. The disease would have catastrophic impacts on trade, animal welfare, and farm productivity.
"FMD is present in countries near to Australia and is front of mind for industry in terms of potential biosecurity risks," said MLA Managing Director Michael Crowley. "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."
The infectious nature of FMD makes it particularly devastating. "No cow in a herd will be unaffected if there's an outbreak. That's why it's so scary," explained Dr Michael Laurence from Meat and Livestock Australia. Infected cattle develop blisters on their mouths, hooves, and skin, severely impacting their ability to eat or walk.
Technical Advantages and Rapid Deployment
The mRNA vaccine offers several critical advantages over existing technologies. Unlike early COVID-19 mRNA vaccines requiring sub-zero storage, this livestock vaccine can be stored for a year under standard refrigeration and remains stable at room temperature for at least one month - a crucial advantage for livestock applications.
The vaccine also provides DIVA capacity (differentiating infected from vaccinated animals), allowing responders to distinguish between vaccinated and naturally infected animals. This capability could help more precisely define outbreak scope and potentially accelerate the return to international trade following an incursion.
Perhaps most importantly, the vaccine could be deployed rapidly during an emergency. "You could actually roll out this vaccine potentially within a week of an outbreak starting," said Dr Kirkland.
Safety Profile and Regulatory Path
Extensive safety evaluations found Tiba's vaccines safe at doses much larger than would ever be administered to animals. The vaccines have been proven safe for both animals and consumers, with mRNA technology offering what Peter McGrath from Tiba Biotech describes as "the simplest and safest way to make a vaccine of any technology currently available."
The vaccine must now undergo rigorous evaluation by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) before approval for livestock use.
Manufacturing and Future Applications
The research partnership is also developing a similar vaccine for lumpy skin disease, another significant exotic disease threat to Australia. The UNSW RNA Institute is working on manufacturing capability, supported by a newly announced $17.6 million RNA Research and Training Network aimed at boosting NSW's RNA workforce.
"Australia is now at the forefront of livestock vaccine development, bringing with it the potential to develop manufacturing capacity, jobs, and exports," said Tiba Co-Founder Peter McGrath.
NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty emphasized the strategic importance: "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."
While Australia has remained FMD-free for more than a century, the disease's presence in neighboring countries, particularly Indonesia, has elevated biosecurity concerns. The 2001 UK outbreak resulted in the slaughter of 6 million animals and cost £8 billion, while even a smaller 2007 outbreak caused significant economic disruption and export bans.
