In response to rising bird flu outbreaks in dairy cattle, scientists have created an mRNA vaccine that may protect calves from the H5N1 virus.
This early-stage vaccine is a major step toward addressing viral transmission within the dairy sector.
Developed by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania and the USDA, the vaccine has been tested in young calves to evaluate its effectiveness in preventing infection through contaminated milk.
The findings are posted on bioRxiv, pending peer review.
Although adult cattle have not yet been tested with the vaccine, researchers are hopeful. The experimental vaccine works by teaching the immune system to recognize the H5N1 virus early, preventing illness in young animals.