Lumpy skin disease in Japan could be a game changer for mRNA vaccine work

The detection of lumpy skin disease in Japan could be the game changer that prompts far greater financial investment into mRNA vaccines for the serious viral disease of cattle and buffalo. So say animal disease experts at the International Symposium on Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, which is being held this week in Sydney. Chair of the event's organising committee Professor Michael Ward, from the Sydney School of Veterinary Science, said the spread of LSD beyond mainly developing nations could change the perception of investors needed to fund research. He said in the case of African Swine Fever, the spread into Europe facilitated much more money being directed towards vaccines. "Ironically, we have needed to see LSD in a wealthy country. Given Japan is not a major exporter of beef, it may not be enough but it is certainly attracting a lot more attention on the issue in North America and Europe, where alot of this work is driven," Prof Ward said. The Japanese Government has ...