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Solid dose vaccine protects pigs against PRRSV
The solid dose vaccine could protect against one of the most costly diseases in global pig farming.

It is the first time the approach has shown to be effective.

New research led by The Pirbright Institute has demonstrated the effectiveness of a needle-free solid dose vaccine in protecting pigs against Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV).

It is the first time the approach has been shown to work in any species, and could reduce losses from the PRRSV, which are estimated to exceed some US$660 million in the US alone.

Dr Christine Tait-Burkard from the Roslin Institute described the development as ‘encouraging’, adding: “Controlling Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus would be a huge benefit for animal welfare, farmers and the food system.”

In the study, researchers tested a solid dose of modified live vaccine (MLV) using needle-free technology developed by aVaxiPen. The team injected the vaccine under the skin’s surface and combined it with a nasal-boost inactivated vaccine. 

The nasal boost failed to enhance immunity in pigs. However, the solid-dose vaccine was shown to provide neutralising antibody responses and strong protection against infection. This was comparable to protection attained by conventional needle-and-syringe vaccination.

Furthermore, the study showed the solid dose PRRSV vaccine was less stable than expected, leading to evaluation at a lower dose than typically used. However, solid and liquid formulations provided a high level of protection.

Professor Simon Graham from The Pirbright Institute said: “This is the first time a solid dose vaccine has been shown to protect against infection in any species. It’s a step forward, not just for pig health, but for vaccine delivery technology more broadly – including for potential future use in humans.”

The study was a collaborative project between the Pirbright Institute, the Moredun Research Institute, Zoetis, Scotland’s Rural College and aVaxziPen. It builds on previous work by Pirbright and aVaxiPen on solid-dose PRRSV vaccines and complements studies on intranasal vaccine delivery using jet injectors by the Roslin Institute. 

© Viktor Osipenko /Shutterstock.com

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.