Scientists Work on First U.S.-produced FMD Vaccine
A new foot-and-mouth disease vaccine holds promise for preventing an outbreak of the devastating disease.
Compiled by staff
Published: Jun 1, 2007
A new vaccine shows promise for preventing foot-and-mouth disease in livestock, proving effective in tests on cattle and swine. The vaccine was developed by Agricultural Research Service scientists, the Department of Homeland Security, and a U.S. biopharmaceutical company.
The vaccine shows effectiveness within seven days, and in tests so far, cattle retain immunity for at least 21 days. Scientists expect that more studies will shows at least the six months of immunity provided by current vaccines in cattle and swine.
"This signals tremendous promise," says ARS Administrator Edward B. Knipling. "Although this is still an experimental vaccine, it has made significant developmental progress, and we are optimistic about its prospects."
FMD is devastating to livestock, including cattle, swine, sheep, and goats. The disease is rarely transmissible to humans, but if the U.S. had an outbreak - which it hasn't since 1929 - the economic impact could be severe.
The new product is the first FMD vaccine produced in the U.S., and as it is developed, it could allow the federal government to plan a strategic stockpile in case of an outbreak.
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