P.PSH.1368 - Product Development of an Australian trichomoniasis vaccine: Pilot trial
Trichomoniasis is a venereal disease of cattle recently confirmed to be prevalent in northern Australian beef herds (approximately one in ten culled bulls were infected).
| Project start date: | 19 January 2022 |
| Project end date: | 31 May 2023 |
| Publication date: | 15 November 2023 |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Livestock species: | Grain-fed Cattle, Grass-fed Cattle |
| Relevant regions: | National |
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Summary
Bovine trichomoniasis causes infertility in northern Australian herds and a recent abattoir survey demonstrated that one in ten cull bulls are infected with Tritrichomonas foetus. It has become a research priority to develop an Australian trichomoniasis vaccine. Research undertaken in Australia in the 1980s demonstrated an efficacious vaccine, however commercialisation did not occur as the impact of trichomoniasis in Australia was thought to be negligent. The pilot trial undertaken in this research will be considered as vaccine for application in northern Australian beef herds.
Objectives
1. Identify a conserved Australian strain of Tritrichomonas foetus (TfOz) for vaccine development. A culture collection of northern Australian T. foetus isolates was established at UQ and a Qld strain was selected for the vaccine strain and an NT strain as the challenge strain. The genomes were sequenced showing a high conservation of DNA between the two strains showing conservation between the two regional isolates selected.
2. Develop scaled up culture methods of TfOz and complete a small pilot trial to confirm safety and efficacy of vaccine in bulls. In vitro culture conditions were established and pilot trial using two doses of the experimental vaccine was used in six bulls. A 67% vaccine efficacy was determined following challenge.
Key findings
Ninety-nine percent genomic conservation was demonstrated between two Australian T. foetus isolates originating from NT and Qld respectively.
A 67% efficacy of the experimental vaccine was demonstrated using tropically adapted bulls aged 5-8 years.
Benefits to industry
The preliminary trial demonstrates the ability to develop an Australian T. foetus vaccine for use in northern Australian bulls.
The application of a trichomoniasis vaccine will lead to increased fertility in northern beef herds.
Future research
A moderately sized trial (50-60 bulls) is recommended to test vaccine dosages and adjuvants to improve the product and to demonstrate efficacy in more bulls. It is also recommended to use <2 year old bulls.
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For more information Contact Project Manager: Michael Laurence |
