Australia Unveils World-First mRNA Vaccine to Shield Livestock from Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Australia is stepping boldly into a new era of agricultural protection with the development of a world-first mRNA foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine. The breakthrough, driven by a partnership between the NSW Government and global biotech firm Tiba Biotech, places Australia among a select few nations capable of producing their own FMD vaccine—an insurance policy against one of the world’s most contagious livestock diseases.

Source: Aletihad Newspaper

Though currently FMD-free, Australia faces an ever-present risk from outbreaks in nearby regions. An incursion could trigger up to $80 billion in economic losses and cripple meat and dairy supply chains. This new vaccine offers a critical line of defence, developed in just 18 months with a modest $2.5 million investment as part of a broader $20 million initiative backed by Meat & Livestock Australia and the NSW Government.

The innovation is not just fast—it’s smarter. Unlike traditional vaccines, this mRNA version is fully synthetic and can be produced rapidly without using infectious material. It’s also built for real-world farm conditions, able to stay stable in regular refrigeration and even at room temperature for a month—making it highly adaptable in emergency situations.

Initial overseas trials are already showing strong promise. Cattle exposed to the virus after vaccination remained disease-free and didn’t transmit it to others, a breakthrough that could help preserve Australia’s hard-earned FMD-free status even in the face of an outbreak.

This vaccine is the crown jewel in the Minns Government’s $1 billion biosecurity strategy to defend the $8 billion livestock industry and ensure long-term food security. Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty emphasized the government’s resolve to grow a safer, stronger agricultural sector—pointing to an additional $100 million committed to advancing world-class research and development.

Experts say this proactive approach will ensure Australia is not just reacting to biosecurity threats but staying ahead of them. By building local capacity to manufacture emergency vaccines, the country is preparing for fast deployment if disease ever strikes its borders.

Tiba Biotech’s leadership believes the technology has potential far beyond FMD, with applications across the livestock industry. Meanwhile, the NSW Department of Primary Industries highlights how this research could revolutionize disease response by allowing authorities to distinguish vaccinated animals from infected ones—minimizing market disruptions and supporting faster trade recovery.

As testing continues under the watchful eye of Australia’s veterinary medicines authority, this vaccine could soon become the nation’s strongest biosecurity tool, protecting not just animals but the communities and economies that depend on them.