FMD Research Showing Results

Improvements are being made to a FMD vaccine developed on Plumb Island. This new version of the vaccine can be produced without using infectious FMD materials, which means it can be produced on the U.S. mainland without the need for expensive, high-containment production facilities. Tests have shown that the vaccine becomes effective seven days after it's been administered. Scientists continue to strive to shorten that seven day window.

A recent study found that proteins called interferons can offer protection while animals are developing an antibody response to the vaccine, increasing their resistance. They are working to combine the interferons and the FMD vaccine so they can be administered concurrently. In the meantime, government and industry are collaborating to develop the new FMD vaccine for inclusion in the U.S. Veterinary Vaccine Stockpile.

FMD detection is also being studied. One study indicated that using infrared cameras elevated hoof temperatures, a symptom of FMD in cattle, can be detected up to two days before cattle develop clinical signs. Cheaper and faster than existing screening methods, this technology could allow scientists and veterinarians to identify potentially infected cattle in large groups, without examining animals individually.