LSU Researcher Develops Groundbreaking Vaccine Against Deadly Cattle Disease
March 21, 2024A significant breakthrough in veterinary medicine has been achieved by Shafiqul Chowdhury, a professor at Louisiana State University (LSU), with the development of a new vaccine targeting bovine respiratory disease (BRD), the leading cause of fatalities in cattle. This disease annually claims up to 8 million calves in the United States alone, inflicting over $1 billion in losses to the cattle industry.The newly developed vaccine leverages genetically modified bovine herpes virus type 1 (BHV-1) to incorporate protective proteins from other respiratory viruses. This innovative approach, a decade in the making, promises a safer and more effective prevention method against BRD. With a patent application in process and a commercial licensing agreement already signed, the vaccine stands ready to make a significant impact on beef production and cattle health.
Matthew Scott from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine highlights BRD’s complexity, influenced by various factors like genetics, stress, and environmental conditions. Unlike current vaccines, Chowdhury’s creation does not contribute to the spread of vaccine viruses within cattle populations, nor does it pose a risk of abortion in cows—a notable advantage over existing treatments.
