Optimisation of the immune response to foot-and-mouth disease vaccines.

Considering the many variables influencing the immune response of the host to vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), the properties and characteristics of the vaccine and recommendations concerning its mode of application offer the best opportunity for the manufacturer to provide safe, effective protection of livestock. There are a number of critical elements in the production of FMD vaccines, such as the selection of appropriate strain(s), which have a direct bearing on the quality of the immune response. Equally, development of effective immunity depends on proper and timely application of good quality vaccine. In contrast, several of the potential variables in vaccination against FMD such as the use of oil adjuvants for cattle are probably less critical than is sometimes perceived. This presentation considers some of the many variables involved in the production and use of FMD vaccines.