Foot-and-mouth disease control
FMD is a widespread and very contagious disease that affects livestock, and cattle and sheep in particular. It is one of the most economically damaging diseases in the world, and scientists are constantly searching for ways to limit its impact. The EU-funded FMD-DISCONVAC project was established to develop new vaccines or antivirals, improve current vaccines and diagnostic tests, and better understand the spread of the disease. FMD-DISCONVAC scientists refined vaccine quality control using in-vitro methods and modern molecular methods. They also developed new methods to measure the level of protection in vaccinated populations. The project further supported the development of many new vaccine candidates and antiviral drugs. In addition, researchers advanced a state-of-the-art diagnostic kit for early FMD detection. Finally, they spent time studying in greater detail how FMD spreads. The team investigated virus transmission between cattle and wildlife, both through field work and modelling of disease spread. Despite decades of research, FMD remains a major economic and animal health concern around the world. FMD-DISCONVAC took steps towards reducing the impact of FMD on the global economy.
Keywords
Foot-and-mouth disease, vaccines, cattle, molecular biology, antiviral
