Considerations for the use of advanced biotechnology tools in Australian agriculture

Disease resilience is a priority issue in Australian agriculture, with the threat of emergency animal diseases such as lumpy skin disease, foot and mouth disease, and African swine fever risking the stability of Australia’s agricultural sector and our disease-free status.

Vaccination remains the best defence against these diseases, however, traditional vaccines are either limited in their accessibility or simply do not exist. Advanced mRNA vaccines present several advantages for the future; such as not requiring live attenuated viruses for manufacture or immunisation, decentralised (local) production leading to rapid deployment times and greater versatility.

However, as of Q2 2024, there is currently no regulatory framework for or commercialization of mRNA livestock vaccines in Australia. As such, questions remain as to how regulators, industry, producers and consumers will perceive them, and how these perceptions will influence their widespread adoption.

This research project seeks to understand the human factors influencing the adoption and diffusion of mRNA livestock vaccines in Australia through nationally representative surveys, expert consultation and interviews with key stakeholders along value chains.

Through identifying and understanding barriers and drivers to livestock mRNA vaccines before their commercialisation, the findings of this project can be integrated into their development and ultimate deployment to maximise their uptake in Australia.