Dual-protection vaccine targets a key gap in Nipah preparedness

Why pigs remain central

The largest recorded Nipah outbreak highlighted the role pigs can play in disease transmission. During Malaysia’s 1998-1999 outbreak, authorities culled more than one million pigs after pig-to-human transmission accelerated the spread of the virus.

The outbreak resulted in estimated losses of nearly USD 600 million. Beyond its economic impact, the episode underscored how animal health and public health can intersect.

Today, the World Health Organization classifies Nipah virus as a priority pathogen with epidemic and pandemic potential. Yet producers still have limited tools available to prevent infection.

That reality helps explain continued interest in pig vaccination. Reducing infection in livestock could lower opportunities for the virus to spread further.

A familiar platform with a new purpose

Researchers are building the candidate vaccine on a live attenuated pseudorabies virus platform already used in Southeast Asia. They modified the vaccine to express Nipah virus proteins while retaining protection against pseudorabies.

Previous studies showed vaccinated pigs developed immune responses against both diseases. The current project seeks to generate additional data needed for commercial development.

Using an established vaccine platform could offer practical advantages if the product reaches the market. Producers would not need to adopt an entirely unfamiliar vaccination approach.

The project also reflects growing interest in tools that address multiple disease risks simultaneously. For producers, a combined vaccine may prove more attractive than separate disease-control measures.

Beyond vaccination

The consortium is also developing a DIVA diagnostic test that can distinguish infected animals from vaccinated animals.

That capability plays an important role in surveillance programs. It can also support disease investigations and animal movement decisions during outbreaks.

Over the next three years, researchers will scale up production processes, establish quality controls and evaluate vaccine performance. The work will include safety studies in piglets and pregnant sows, as well as assessments of dosing strategies.

Partners expect vaccine and diagnostic products to enter full commercial development in 2028.

Focus on at-risk regions

The project is targeting countries where Nipah remains a potential threat, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines, India and Bangladesh.

Whether the vaccine ultimately reaches commercial use remains to be seen. However, the effort highlights sustained interest in strengthening preparedness against a disease that continues to concern both livestock and public health sectors.