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기사입력 : 2024.12.23 09:03
The
Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, in partnership with KBNP,INC., has
successfully developed HimVac C. botulism-T, the
world’s first bovine botulism vaccine created using recombinant DNA technology.
Botulism,
a fatal disease caused by toxins secreted by Clostridium
botulinum bacteria, results in severe muscle paralysis in
livestock. These toxins can infiltrate farms through various sources, including
contaminated hay or carcasses. Once symptoms manifest, the disease is
untreatable and almost invariably fatal, with a 100% mortality rate in most
cases.
To
combat this devastating disease, the Quarantine Agency invested over a decade
in researching botulism prevention. Building on its extensive expertise, the
agency transferred its advanced technologies to industry partners to facilitate
the development of the vaccine. Recently approved for export, the vaccine has
now been successfully commercialized.
HimVac
C. botulism-T represents a significant breakthrough,
addressing limitations inherent in existing foreign toxoid vaccines. Unlike
traditional vaccines, which require expensive Biosafety Level 3 (BL3)
facilities for production, this innovative vaccine employs recombinant DNA technology
to create detoxified components. This approach not only enhances production
efficiency but also ensures greater safety for livestock. Furthermore, the
vaccine provides comprehensive protection against all five major toxin types
known to be highly lethal to livestock, overcoming the partial efficacy of
current alternatives.
The
global rise in botulism cases, driven by climate change and intensive farming
practices, underscores the critical need for effective prevention. In 2024
alone, approximately 20 farms in South Korea reported outbreaks, leaving
farmers without viable solutions due to the unavailability of commercial
vaccines. Meanwhile, countries like Brazil, which suffers significant economic
losses from botulism, administer vaccines to approximately 110 million animals
annually.
Kim
Chul, Director of the Plant and Animal Health Research Division, highlighted
the importance of this achievement, stating, “This newly developed vaccine
delivers unprecedented advantages in terms of safety and preventive efficacy.
It is poised to elevate the global standing of K-animal bio-vaccine technology
and drive substantial growth in international markets.”
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