New vaccines and diagnostics to control viral disease in farmed crocodiles (2023–2027)
Abstract:
Infection of farmed crocodiles with West Nile virus (WNV) causes lesions in the skin that render the hides
unsuitable for high quality leather products. This results in >$20 million lost revenue to the Australian crocodile
industry annually. We have developed a novel technology to generate safe and effective vaccines and diagnostic
tests for WNV in animals. We aim to 1) conduct vaccine trials in farmed crocodiles to determine the optimum dose
formulation and immunisation regime to provide long-lived protection against WNV disease; 2) validate pen-side
tests to rapidly diagnose WNV infection in crocodiles on farms; and 3) transfer the technology to a manufacturing
facility to ensure a commercial supply of the vaccines and diagnostic tests.