102095Validation of PCR technology for the development of autogenous vaccines for the control of viral diseasesClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKThe ability to rapidly produce vaccines in response to bacterial and viral disease outbreaks in livestock is of significant economic benefit to the farming industry. The UK regulatory framework for vaccine production dictates that rapid response vaccines can only be manufactured as farm-specific (autogenous) vaccines (AVs). AVs can be produced cost-effectively against bacterial pathogens, but not viral disease. Consequently, no licensed AV production is available in the UK. The primary constraints to cost-reduction are: a) high cost of safety testing; b) time required to conduct such tests. This project will address these constraints by developing safety tests based on PCR technology. For such testing to be accepted by Regulatory Authorities, protocols will need to be validated and production of effective viral AVs demonstrated. To address these requirements, this project will develop cost-effective PCR-based QA tests for the detection of listed viral pathogens. The partners have expertise in both conventional viral vaccine and bacterial AV production. Their collective skill and experience will create new protocols to revolutionise the response to viral disease within the livestock industry.