Pirbright Institute Develops Dual Pig Vaccine
The Duo-ProTectz project aims to create a bivalent vaccine against Nipah virus and pseudorabies.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Diseases — General
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The Pirbright Institute is leading a three-year international project to develop a dual vaccine for pigs against the Nipah virus and pseudorabies. Funded by the U.K. Vaccine Network, the effort seeks to mitigate the risk of zoonotic disease transmission from animals to humans.
Why it matters
Developing a vaccine could prevent massive economic losses and health crises, as no licensed vaccines for the Nipah virus currently exist for humans or pigs. The initiative aims to integrate these safeguards into existing veterinary programs in at-risk nations.
The Duo-ProTectz project runs for three years with the goal of commercializing a vaccine and a DIVA ELISA diagnostic test. This follows a historic 1998-99 outbreak that required the culling of over 1 million pigs.
The players
The Pirbright Institute
This U.K.-based research institution specializes in the study and prevention of viral diseases in livestock.
U.K. Vaccine Network
This organization provides strategic funding for research projects aimed at developing vaccines for high-threat infectious diseases.
Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut
This German research organization serves as the Federal Research Institute for Animal Health.
BioStone Animal Health
This U.S.-based company focuses on developing veterinary diagnostic and therapeutic products.
The details
The project uses a live attenuated pseudorabies virus platform engineered to express Nipah virus proteins to provoke an immune response. Partners including the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut and BioStone Animal Health are also developing a diagnostic test to differentiate vaccinated animals from those with natural infections.
Timeline
1998-1999: A Nipah virus outbreak in Malaysia resulted in severe livestock losses.
2026-2029: The Duo-ProTectz project duration.
2028: The vaccine and diagnostic tests are expected to enter full commercial development.
The Big Picture
This research initiative serves as a preventive measure to ensure the events of the 1998-99 Nipah outbreak in Malaysia are not repeated.
By creating a vaccine that limits the virus in pig populations, the project aims to reduce the risk of zoonotic spillover to human communities. The development of a companion diagnostic test will ensure that farmers can safely manage livestock without spreading the disease.
The takeaway
The development of a bivalent vaccine represents a critical step in securing the global food supply against emerging zoonotic threats. Researchers hope that integrating these tools into local veterinary infrastructure will provide a sustainable barrier against future pandemics.
What happens next
The vaccine and associated diagnostic tests are projected to move into full commercial development by 2028.
Further reading
For more information on current preventative research, visit the Diseases — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Feedstuffs.
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