Docket Number: 12801
Serial Number: 10128463

Technology Description: ARS researchers have developed a genetically engineered virus that can be formulated into an effective vaccine for preventing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD)–the most economically important livestock disease worldwide. The invention uses an interferon (proteins possessing antiviral properties) DNA sequence to inoculate livestock. Inoculating animals with this invention can protect against all serotypes of FMD virus as well as other viral agents, and it can be particularly useful for providing early protection to susceptible animals. FMD is highly infectious and spreads rapidly by contact or in the air, and causes painful blisters on the tongue, nose or snout, and feet of livestock. Since it is highly infectious, FMD-free countries, including the United States, maintain rigid quarantine and import restrictions to prevent its introduction to disease-free livestock. Problems with the current vaccine include difficulty in distinguishing vaccinated from infected animals, antigenic variation of the virus requiring production of vaccines against numerous virus serotypes and subtypes, and the inability to provide rapid immunity. Industry should be interested in a disease-control strategy that successfully addresses concerns about the current vaccine. Worldwide, about one billion doses of FMD vaccine is produced annually. Biotechnology companies and companies that produce vaccines could develop this technology for commercial use. Livestock producers worldwide will benefit from commercialization of this invention. Reference: Please refer to patent application S.N. 10/128,463 (Docket #0128.01), "Foot and Mouth Disease Virus Vaccine," which was filed on April 24, 2002.  Foreign rights are available. Inventors: Marvin J. Grubman Foot and Mouth Disease Research 40550 Route 25 Orient Point, NY 11957 (631) 323-3329 / Fax: (631) 323-3295 mgrubman@asrr.arsusda.gov Marla J. Koster (Same as first inventor) (631) 323-3010 / Fax: (631) 323-3295 mkoster@piadc.ars.usda.gov