Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)
NAME
Outbreaks like the 2001 UK crisis alone resulting in over 6 million animals killed and £8 billion in losses. In Taiwan’s 1997 outbreak, 3.8 million pigs were wiped out, and similar tragedies have unfolded in South Korea, Japan, and other regions.
OUTBREAKS
Young animals frequently die from complications like myocarditis, while mass culling inflicts catastrophic economic and emotional costs. The sheer scale of destruction underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions.
DEATHS
Australia has invested $4.95 million in mRNA vaccine research to combat diseases like FMD. This technology, powered by accelerators like VelocityX, offers the potential to rapidly control outbreaks, saving millions of animals from suffering and reducing the catastrophic losses associated with this deadly disease.
INDUSTRY
Rising temperatures and shifting ecosystems could expand the geographic range of FMD carriers, such as wild animals, increasing the disease's reach into new regions.
ENVIRONMENT
VelocityX
Use Case #1
University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine have initiated mRNA research programs to advance veterinary vaccine science, aiming to protect both animal and human health.
An mRNA accelerator like VelocityX could expedite vaccine development, enabling rapid responses to emerging zoonotic threats and potentially saving millions of lives.
INDUSTRY
Environmental changes, including deforestation, urbanization, and climate change, have increased human-animal interactions, elevating the risk of zoonotic disease transmission. The World Health Organization reports a 63% rise in zoonotic outbreaks in Africa over the past decade, attributed to factors like habitat encroachment and climate variability.
ENVIRONMENT
Zoonotic Diseases
NAME
Zoonotic diseases—illnesses transmitted from animals to humans—have caused significant outbreaks. Notable examples include the 2014–2016 Ebola epidemic in West Africa, the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, all originating from animal reservoirs. These events underscore the persistent threat of zoonotic pathogens.
OUTBREAKS
Zoonotic diseases are responsible for millions of human deaths globally. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in over 6 million deaths worldwide. Additionally, zoonotic diseases account for 2.2 million deaths annually.
DEATHS
VelocityX
Use Case #2
In June 2024, the Houston Zoo, in collaboration with Baylor College of Medicine, administered the first-ever mRNA vaccine against EEHV to a 40-year-old Asian elephant named Tess.
INDUSTRY
Environmental factors such as habitat loss and increased human-elephant interactions may stress elephant populations, potentially exacerbating the spread and impact of EEHV. Additionally, climate change can influence the prevalence of diseases like EEHV by altering ecosystems and affecting the health of wildlife populations.
ENVIRONMENT
Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV)
NAME
EEHV is a leading cause of death among young Asian elephants, both in captivity and the wild. Notably, in 2024, Dublin Zoo experienced the loss of two juvenile elephants, Avani and Zinda, due to EEHV.
OUTBREAKS
EEHV has a mortality rate of up to 85% in affected young elephants, leading to significant population declines. For instance, in Thailand, EEHV is the single largest cause of death in young elephants.
DEATHS
VelocityX
Use Case #3
INDUSTRY
Industry
Designed for rapid, large-scale vaccination programs to meet the demands of modern agriculture and zoological needs. It streamlines the immunization process, ensuring efficiency while simultaneously increasing quality, even in high-demand scenarios.
Safety
Exceeds animal safety standards, ensuring vaccines are effective without compromising well-being. Meticulous testing and advanced delivery methods minimize risks, safeguarding both animals and handlers.
One Shot
Reduces animal handling and stress by providing full immunity with a single vaccination. This reduces labor costs and improves animal welfare by eliminating repeated interventions.
Innovation
Cutting-edge technology with the potential to save millions of animals and protect biodiversity worldwide.