Australia has long prided itself on its FMD-free status. Over 150 years running. Its sudden globalization of the disease has sent shockwaves through the agricultural industry. This worry became more acute with its arrival in Indonesia in 2022. Experts have cautioned that a massive FMD outbreak in Australia would largely destroy the nation’s livestock industries. In fact, they forecast that the economic losses could be as high as $80 billion in the next 10 years.
In light of these increasing concerns, developers are doing something. They’ve begun FMD vaccine trials in Germany for their mRNA vaccine, which has previously demonstrated effectiveness in cattle challenged with FMD. That mRNA vaccine is just one element of a $20 million collaboration funded by the New South Wales (NSW) government and Meat & Livestock Australia. It has not been officially approved for use in Australia.
Challenges of Containing FMD
Australia’s long-standing freedom from FMD is at risk due to the disease’s recent proliferation globally. Given the presence of FMD in neighboring countries, the likelihood and threat is great. Experts highlight that an outbreak within Australia could lead to severe disruptions in livestock production, potentially bringing industries to a standstill.
Julie Collins, the Minister for Agriculture, stressed the government’s dedication to controlling the threat of FMD in the released plan. Collins said the federal government is heavily investing in research to bolster the red meat industry, including through Meat & Livestock Australia. This significant investment has made the difference in allowing research the development of a mRNA platform for the FMD vaccine.
Although there are several vaccines for FMD available elsewhere, no vaccine is currently approved for use in Australia, as they all contain live viruses. This limitation renders it critically important to identify a safer alternative. The mRNA vaccine provides just such an opportunity, since it lacks the risks associated with that approach.
The Promise of mRNA Technology
Among these innovations, the mRNA vaccine has received a disproportionate amount of attention as a potential game-changing tool for fighting FMD in cattle. Tara Moriarty, an influential champion of the project, has implored the U.S. government of the need for it to back the endeavor. These viruses cannot be contained by artificial state or international borders. I understand the Commonwealth has the greatest resources, but I encourage them to put that money towards more technology and protecting our industry. The irony should be lost on no one,” Moriarty continued.
When his work on the new vaccine was translated into the lab, vaccine developer Peter McGrath expressed his excitement at a new possibility. It’s very exciting and really a game-changer for human and animal health,” he quipped. He praised the flexibility of mRNA technology, likening it to software programs that can be addressed to different diseases. This vaccine is the penicillin for cows, as penicillin was for humans,” Moriarty said, further emphasizing this vaccine’s importance.
The Road Ahead
In addition, developers are preparing for their first applications for regulatory approval including with the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA). They desperately require federal backing to continue their momentum. As a member of the Alliance for Innovation and Infrastructure, Peter McGrath shared his surprise with no big stimulus from the feds. “I’m a little bit surprised the federal government hasn’t got behind this project in a more meaningful way,” he said.
