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16 December 2002Editorial - UBI FMD Vaccine AdvanceDr James Irvine
The reporting of new advances by UBI in the development of a safe synthetic vaccine for FMD (1), and diagnostic sero-surveillance to go with it, is most welcome. This particular development is for a pig vaccine in the first instance. Pigs should be in the front line for FMD vaccination in view of the fact that most outbreaks of FMD have started with pigs becoming infected by some meat product entering the country. Indeed some think that prophylactic FMD vaccination of pigs might indeed be desirable, especially as the synthetic vaccine has been designed to confront a broad array of pandemic FMD viruses from serotype O, and can be readily re-designed for potency against the other six serotypes of FMD virus. What is also highly commendable in this project is the co-operation that has occurred between the States and Taiwan, and between Government bodies (such as USDA Plum Island and National Institute of Animal Health Taiwan) and commercial animal health companies. It should however be remembered that effective FMD vaccines have been available for many years, and especially since 1997. Although they may have some imperfections, waiting for the perfect vaccine should not be used as an excuse for not using what is currently available, when it comes to controlling any new outbreak of FMD. ©Teviot Scientific Consultancy
References1. UBI Press Release, 9 December 2002. Success at Long Last: Development of a Safe Synthetic Vaccine for Foot-and Mouth Disease by United Biomedical, Inc. (UBI). (View on Land-Care).
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