Evaluation of a prototype vaccine for rattles in foals

Summary

Rhodococcus equi is an intracellular pathogen that causes severe and fatal respiratory disease in foals known as “rattles”. This project aims to develop an mRNA-based vaccine to protect foals from rattles. Previous adenovirus-based prototypes were effective but not commercially viable at scale, prompting a shift to mRNA technology for its ease of production and strong immune response. The study will test two dose strategies in foals, assessing safety, antibody production, and cellular immunity. The project output will be an information dossier to underpin the future commercialisation of a rattles vaccine. A vaccine will provide the Thoroughbred industry with the capacity to protect at-risk foals from developing severe and/or fatal rattles.

Program

Thoroughbred Horses

Research Organisation

The University of Queensland