Next generation peste-des-petits ruminats (PPR) vaccines that differentiate between infected and vaccinated animals (DIVA) - proof of concept in sheep

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR), is a highly contagious viral disease of sheep and goats in Africa, and Asia. Recent outbreaks in Northern Africa, Bulgaria and European part of Turkey represent a significant threat to mainland of Europe and UK. Although effective live attenuated vaccines are available, the critical drawback of these vaccines and associated tests is their inability to differentiate infection in vaccinated animals (DIVA). Therefore, it is almost impossible to assess the quality and efficacy of existing PPR vaccines without knowing whether positive animals are vaccinated or naturally infected. This slows down the implementation of PPR control through vaccination. In an existing BBSRC grant, we have developed two PPR live attenuated DIVA vaccines and their companion tests. Both of these have already been successfully tested in goats. The aim of this project is to now test these vaccines in sheep to facilitate the licensing and commercialisation by vaccine producers.