Australia has developed the world’s first biodegradable mRNA vaccine for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). It’s a major leap forward in livestock biosecurity that could have meaningful implications around the world. While the UK remains FMD-free today, the shadow of the devastating 2001 outbreak still looms large, having cost the British economy over £8 billion and resulted in the slaughter of more than 6 million animals. With recent FMD cases reported in Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia, this Australian innovation is being closely watched by animal health authorities across Europe.

Not only did vaccinated cattle avoid contracting FMD, they also did not shed the virus which is critical for halting transmission.

Unlike traditional mRNA vaccines, this formulation can be stored at refrigeration or even room temperature, making it far more practical for rapid deployment in field conditions. As the vaccine enters its regulatory approval process in Australia, UK and EU stakeholders may want to explore collaboration or technology transfer opportunities to bolster local preparedness.

If approved and adopted globally, this could mark a pivotal change in how future FMD outbreaks are contained, potentially saving billions in avoided losses and safeguarding trade continuity across the livestock and meat processing sectors. You can read how a five year, $20 million collaboration between Meat and Livestock Australia, Tiba Biotech and the New South Wales Government has led to this breakthrough.

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