The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) is actively engaging with industry, researchers, state and territory governments, and our global regulatory counterparts regarding Australia’s regulatory approach to mRNA vaccines for use in animals.
Veterinary mRNA vaccines are still in the research and development phase worldwide. There are currently no mRNA vaccines approved by the APVMA for use in animals in Australia.
In anticipation of their development, we are developing a regulatory framework that will include information on data requirements to ensure any new veterinary mRNA vaccine is:
- safe and effective for use in animals
- safe for people who consume animal products derived from vaccinated livestock
- safe for the environment
- safe for the people who administer the vaccine to animals.
Should the research and development for mRNA vaccines be successful, and new veterinary mRNA vaccines are developed, it will take time before they are commercially available within Australia.
Authorisation of mRNA vaccines for use in animals in Australia will require approval by the APVMA, and applications to register these vaccines will undergo our rigorous, risk-based registration process to ensure they are safe and effective.
What are mRNA vaccines?
mRNA vaccines use mRNA created in a laboratory that direct cells to make a protein or a piece of a protein to trigger an immune response in animals.
Where to direct enquiries
Enquiries about mRNA vaccines for use in animals should be directed to enquiries@apvma.gov.au.