Scientists make breakthrough in developing Nipah virus vaccine for pigs
Researchers at The Pirbright Institute, in collaboration with scientists from the UK, Australia, and Bangladesh, have made significant progress in developing vaccines to protect pigs against the Nipah virus—a pathogen with devastating potential for both animal and human health.
Why Nipah Virus Is a Global Concern
First identified during a 1998-1999 outbreak in Malaysia, the Nipah virus (NiV) caused the culling of nearly half the country’s pig population and led to severe economic losses. Since then, outbreaks have persisted in Bangladesh and India, where the virus spreads through:
Consumption of contaminated food (e.g., date palm sap)
Direct pig-to-human transmission
Human-to-human transmission in close-contact settings
Infected individuals may develop encephalitis (brain swelling) and respiratory failure, with fatality rates as high as 40-75%. Despite its lethality, no licensed vaccines or treatments exist for either pigs or humans.
The Vaccine Breakthrough
Published in npj Vaccines, the study tested three experimental vaccine candidates in pigs, including one using the same viral vector platform as the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. Key findings include:
All three vaccines successfully prevented Nipah infection in pigs.
Immunity was confirmed in field trials conducted in Bangladesh’s "Nipah belt"—a hotspot for outbreaks.
Vaccinated pigs showed strong immune responses, even under real-world farming conditions.
"By preventing Nipah outbreaks in pigs, we can reduce human infections, safeguard economies, and protect food security," said Professor Simon Graham, lead researcher at The Pirbright Institute.
Next Steps: A Dual Vaccine for Swine Health and Pandemic Preparedness
The team is now collaborating with German researchers to develop a cost-effective dual vaccine that would protect pigs against both Nipah virus and Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS)—a common swine disease. This approach aims to:
Increase farmer adoption by addressing multiple livestock threats.
Strengthen global biosecurity by reducing spillover risks.
Support the One Health initiative, recognizing the interconnectedness of animal, human, and environmental health.
A One Health Solution to a Global Threat
The study underscores the importance of preventive measures in animals to curb zoonotic diseases before they reach human populations. With Nipah virus listed as a priority pathogen by the WHO and UK Health Security Agency, this research marks a critical advancement in pandemic preparedness.
As the world continues to face emerging infectious diseases, vaccinating livestock may prove to be one of the most effective ways to protect public health.
Journal Reference:
McLean, R. K., et al. (2025). Nipah virus vaccines evaluated in pigs as a “One Health” approach to protect public health. npj Vaccines. doi.org/10.1038/s41541-025-01212-y
