Federal Government Clarifies Facts on mRNA Vaccines for Livestock
The government of Australia clarified that it does not support the vaccination of livestock with mRNA vaccines and it does not consider the consumption of animal products from vaccinated livestock to be unsafe. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (DAFF) made this statement in response to inquiries about the use of these vaccines in livestock, which were fueled by misinformation on the internet.
The government emphasized that no mRNA vaccines are currently authorized for animal use in Australia. The authorization process would require regulatory approvals from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) and other relevant regulatory bodies.
However, the government acknowledged the potential of mRNA vaccines for livestock and highlighted the ongoing research and development efforts worldwide. The federal, New South Wales, and Queensland governments, along with Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), have invested in a $4.95 million project to support livestock vaccine research. DAFF stated that with a proper regulatory program to ensure their safety, mRNA vaccines may one day be safe and effective for Australian livestock.
DAFF also recognized that mRNA vaccines have shown promise in protecting against new virus strains and enabling diagnostic testing for natural infection or vaccination in animals. However, the department emphasized that a thorough risk-based assessment would be conducted before any successful mRNA veterinary vaccine is made available.
In anticipation of future developments, the APVMA is working on a regulatory framework that will ensure any new vaccine is effective, safe, and suitable for animal use. This framework will also address the safety of consumers who consume animal products from vaccinated livestock, the environmental impact, and the safety of those administering the vaccine.
The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry, Murray Watt, emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of both livestock and humans in relation to these vaccines. He assured that the APVMA has the responsibility of properly labeling food products derived from animals injected with mRNA vaccines, addressing concerns raised by Senator Ralph Babet.
Regarding the possibility of mandatory vaccination for livestock producers, Mr. Watt stated that it is not foreseen at this time.
The article also discussed the potential benefits of next-generation vaccine technologies in responding to biosecurity threats faced by Australia’s animal populations. These technologies, including mRNA vaccines, could provide effective tools for rapid outbreak response and disease eradication, according to Michael Laurence, MLA’s Animal Wellbeing Program Manager.
However, MLA Managing Director Jason Strong argued that there is no need to vaccinate animals in Australia without an outbreak. He highlighted the risks posed to export markets and the country’s disease-free status. He stated that Australia is recognized as a country free from foot and mouth disease without the use of vaccination, which is the most favorable status. Any decision to vaccinate animals would depend on various factors such as the size and location of the outbreak, species affected, disease spread, and animal welfare considerations. Mr. Strong expressed confidence in Australia’s ability to quickly detect and control any outbreak of foot and mouth disease without the need for vaccination.
Source link
