The NSW government has announced funding to develop vaccines against the devastating foot and mouth disease and lumpy skin disease, as part of a $65 million commitment to boost the state's biosecurity defences.
Some $5.7 million will go to the development of MRNA vaccines for the diseases, Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said.
Australia is free of the highly contagious foot and mouth disease, but remains on high alert given recent outbreaks in Indonesia and its spread into Bali, a popular tourist destination for Australians.
Current vaccines are made using the virus itself, meaning infected animals need to be euthanised when exposed.
"The development of a synthetic MRNA vaccine for foot and mouth disease would be the key to allowing an Australia to apply for FMD-free status without having to destroy vaccinated animals," Mr Toole told the NSW Biosecurity Conference in Dubbo on Monday.
Having this status, and the mRNA vaccine, could also allow Australia to protect vaccinated animals and maintain vital trade.
Mr Toole said there is also no vaccine for lumpy skin disease, which is spread by mosquitoes and can kill cattle and buffalo.
"Having these two MRNA vaccines in our arsenal, should these diseases reach our shores, would give us a clear edge on the world stage.
"It would be a game changer for our farmers."
Mr Toole acknowledged developing the vaccines could take some time, but said the government was committed to making the innovations in NSW.
The NSW government had invested $229 million in exotic pest and disease control this year.
Agriculture Minister Dugald Saunders said farmers needed confidence that the government would be quick to respond to an outbreak of the potentially devastating FMD.
"We reinforce our commitment that we will do whatever it takes to keep our world-class agricultural sector safe," Mr Saunders said.
The funding includes:
* $26.3 million to grow a trained response workforce to least 2000
* $17.8 million for animal control activities, including culling feral pigs and deer
* $9.7 million to enhance disease surveillance through track and trace technology
* $5.7 million for the development of an MRNA vaccine for foot and mouth disease and lumpy skin disease
* $3.5 million for a mandatory goat and sheep identification system
* $2 million for an awareness campaign for livestock owners and handlers
