The New South Wales Government, in partnership with global biotechnology firm Tiba Biotech, has developed the world’s first locally produced mRNA vaccine for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) – a breakthrough in protecting Australia’s $8 billion livestock industry and national food security.
The vaccine marks a significant scientific and strategic milestone as part of the Minns Labor Government’s $1 billion biosecurity plan. Though Australia remains free of FMD, the disease continues to pose a major threat globally, particularly in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. A domestic outbreak could cost the national economy up to $80 billion.
Agriculture minister Tara Moriarty said the vaccine would safeguard the sector from one of its most serious biosecurity threats.
“Developing local manufacturing capacity to produce vaccines against emergency animal diseases is a critical priority for the Minns Government so that we can protect Australia’s livestock industries, our economy and our food supply,” Moriarty said.
Unlike traditional vaccines, the new FMD vaccine is fully synthetic and mRNA-based, making it safer and faster to manufacture. It took less than 18 months to develop and cost approximately $2.5 million, as part of a $20 million project co-funded by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and the NSW Government.
In contrast to conventional methods, the vaccine can be produced without using infectious material, a key advantage in terms of safety and scalability in emergency outbreaks.
Further testing is underway to ensure the vaccine meets approval standards set by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA). It will be ready for emergency use in the event of a FMD incursion.
Peter McGrath, chief financial officer of Tiba Biotech, said the mRNA platform offered significant benefits for livestock applications.
“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,” McGrath said.
The research consortium includes the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, MLA, the Friedrich–Loeffler Institut in Germany, and the University of NSW’s RNA Institute, which supports local mRNA manufacturing capability.
Michael Crowley, managing director of MLA, said the vaccine placed Australia ahead of the curve in biosecurity preparation.
“While we hope an FMD vaccine is never needed, the research is a proactive approach to managing biosecurity risk,” Crowley said.
Trials have shown that vaccinated cattle exposed to FMD did not contract or transmit the virus – a vital step in controlling the spread if the disease ever reached Australian shores.
