In a world-first, the NSW Government and Tiba BioTech have created foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine, a crucial development in safeguarding the nation's $8 billion livestock sector.
Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said the breakthrough vaccine places Australia in an elite group of nations capable of producing their own FMD vaccine.
“The delivery of an FMD vaccine is part of the Minns Labor Government's commitment to safeguarding livestock from key biosecurity threats and ensuring the state's agriculture industry can thrive,’ she said.
Scientists developed the mRNA vaccine over 18 months at a cost of $2.5 million, creating a fully synthetic product that doesn't require infectious material in its manufacture.
The initiative forms part of a $20 million program jointly funded by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and the NSW Government.
“While we hope an FMD vaccine is never needed, the research is a proactive approach to managing biosecurity risks,” MLA managing director Michael Crowley said.
“Australia is one of a fortunate number of countries with FMD-free status, and an incursion would have serious implications for our industry and trade.”
Tiba Biotech chief financial officer Peter McGrath emphasised the vaccine's practical benefits.
“Unlike current mRNA technologies, our vaccines can be stored long-term at standard refrigeration temperatures and at room temperature for at least one month - a critical advantage in livestock applications,” he said.
The vaccine is now undergoing rigorous testing to meet Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority requirements before approval for emergency use.
International trials have demonstrated that vaccinated cattle remained protected when exposed to the virus and did not spread it to other animals.