An Australian state government has signed a deal with U..S biotechnology company Tiba Biotech to develop mRNA vaccines for Foot and mouth disease (FMD) and Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) within a year.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional New South Wales (NSW) Paul Toole said the milestone would protect Australia’s $28.7 billion (US$18.5 billion) livestock industry.
“I have now written to vaccine manufacturers to take up my challenge to develop both vaccines ready for use and manufacture in NSW by Aug. 1 next year,” Toole said in a statement.
An outbreak of FMD, a contagious livestock disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, pigs, and sheep, would affect the meat and milk trades and lead to the slaughter of many animals, according to the government….