New Vaccine Offers Hope for East African Cattle Against Foot and Mouth Disease
In a groundbreaking development for small-scale farmers in East Africa, a new quadrivalent vaccine has been introduced to protect cattle from all major strains of foot and mouth disease (FMD). This highly contagious disease, which can drastically reduce milk production, currently results in annual losses estimated at US$2.3 billion for African producers. The new vaccine, developed under the AgResults Vaccine Challenge Project, represents a significant leap forward in combatting this viral threat to livestock and dairy production in the region.
A Transformative Initiative: The AgResults Project
The AgResults Vaccine Challenge Project is an ambitious eight-year initiative designed to encourage the development and delivery of effective vaccines against livestock diseases. With a budget of US$17.34 million, this “pay-for-results” competition is spearheaded by the livestock charity GALVmed and funded in part by the governments of Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States, along with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
According to Nina Henning, project manager team lead at GALVmed, the current vaccination strategy mainly focuses on emergency responses to outbreaks, leaving only about five percent of cattle in Africa immunized. “Moving away from reactive vaccination to prophylactic use before an outbreak is a huge step forward for preventative vaccination,” Henning stated in an interview with SciDev.Net.
Vaccine Details and Efficacy
Manufactured by Biopharma, a Moroccan vaccine manufacturer, the quadrivalent vaccine specifically targets the four FMD virus types—O, A, SAT1, and SAT2—predominant in Eastern Africa. Notably, this vaccine is the first of its kind to be registered in the region and is effective for all cattle over three months of age, providing at least six months of immunity after two doses.
FMD primarily affects cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. The disease’s continual evolution has contributed to the emergence of newer strains, thus necessitating a broad-spectrum vaccine that can effectively combat those circulating in the region. “Normally, FMD vaccines only contain one or two of the serotypes, but our new vaccine has been rigorously tested against the four that are currently prevalent in Eastern Africa,” Henning explained.
Funding and Availability
In a bid to catalyze initial adoption, the AgResults project has introduced a cost-share mechanism to make the vaccine more affordable for farmers. With US$15.8 million already allocated, this funding will provide coverage for 12.5 million doses over the next four years.
Ensuring farmer confidence in the vaccine remains a priority. Henning emphasized the careful testing and rigorous vetting the vaccine underwent prior to its sale, which should reassure farmers about its effectiveness.
Potential for Economic Growth and Trade
The introduction of this vaccine could have profound implications for regional trade. Charles Ndawula Junior, a molecular biologist at the National Livestock Resources Research Institute in Uganda, believes that with widespread vaccination, East Africa could potentially be declared FMD-free, thus allowing for enhanced beef exports to countries that also maintain FMD-free status.
Drawing comparisons with Brazil’s successful efforts to eradicate FMD over a decade, Ndawula asserts that consistency in vaccine availability and robust governmental support are critical for achieving similar success in East Africa. “Governments need to provide steady access to the vaccine for farmers,” he stated, highlighting FMD’s transboundary nature which calls for vaccination strategies that limit the risk of transmission.
The Future of Dairy Farming in East Africa
As small-scale farmers heavily depend on dairy cattle for their livelihoods, this new vaccine offers a long-awaited shield against FMD, safeguarding both income and food security. With the right framework for distribution and support, the long-term benefits of this innovative vaccine could lead to revitalized dairy productivity and improved access to international markets.
Engaging the community and building trust will be vital to the success of this initiative. As we look forward to the full implementation of this life-changing vaccine in East Africa, understanding and addressing farmer concerns will be paramount in fostering its acceptance and usage.
What are your thoughts on this new vaccine? How do you think it will impact agricultural practices in East Africa? Join the conversation below and share your insights.
