August 23, 2022

 

World's first synthetic FMD, LSD vaccine could be created in New South Wales, Australia

 

 

The world's first synthetic vaccine for foot and mouth disease (FMD) and lumpy skin disease (LSD) could be developed in New South Wales, Australia, by August next year, fast-tracked by a $6 million investment by the Australian government.

 

The funding announcement was made at NSW's first biosecurity conference in Dubbo, attended by a range of industry experts coming together to discuss exotic diseases currently threatening Australian agriculture.

 

Current FMD vaccines cannot be used locally as they contain the live virus, meaning any vaccinated animal would need to be euthanased for Australia to retain its FMD-free status.

 

"We want to be the first state to develop an mRNA vaccine to deal with foot-and-mouth disease and lumpy skin disease," NSW Deputy Premier Paul Toole said. "I've thrown the challenge out that I want to see the vaccine developed by August 1 next year. If foot and mouth disease was to get into the country it would have an $80 billion impact on the industry ... this would affect every Australian. We need to make sure we're ahead of the game and dealing with these issues before they get into the country."

 

An additional $65 million in state government funding has been announced over the next two years to improve the country's preparedness, as well as strengthen Australia's biosecurity protection measures.

 

Some $60 million has been committed for "meaningful, on-the-ground training" with at least 2,000 people prepared to deliver vaccines and work with stock groups "so there's an effective response if or when anything occurs".

 

The government promised these experts would be equipped with the knowledge to assess animals, administer vaccines, maintain protocols at the stockyards and saleyards and share information to graziers about euthanasing animals when required.

 

Funding has also been committed to improve disease surveillance and closely monitor the movements of livestock in rural areas through new "intelligent track and trace technology".

 

"We're looking at setting up and interim task force on sheep and goat electronic identification because traceability is key in all of this," NSW Agriculture Minister Dugald Saunders said. "For the first time, ever there is national agreement on sheep and goat electronic ID."

 

A further $17.8 million has been committed to controlling potential infected species by increased culling of feral pigs and deer.

 

The conference was held at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo to discuss biosecurity measures, with Saunders promising the perspectives shared by industry leaders would be used to form future policy.

 

Around 120 experts from across Australia were in attendance, joined virtually by experts in other parts of the world including the United Kingdom's chief veterinarian.

 

"When you talk about solutions, you do need anyone on board, everyone from the supply chain," Saunders said. "Today is the starting point of all industry being together."

 

- ABC News