Thailand and the ASEAN region are recognized as key global producers of food, particularly in the aquaculture and poultry industries. Consequently, efficient animal health management technologies, preventive health measures, and the wellbeing of animals are essential. The ability to manage emerging and re-emerging diseases is crucial for the sustainability of these industries in the ASEAN region.
In Thailand, the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), and King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) have partnered with the United Kingdom's University of Kent and University College London (UCL) to develop biotechnological products for animal health: from research to application, spanning three research projects.
One such project involves single-cell algae technology for disease prevention in shrimp farming. The aim is to prevent diseases caused by bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections in shrimp. Over the past decade, the shrimp farming industry has been continuously affected by outbreaks of various pathogens, resulting in up to 60% losses in production and impacting the shrimp farming industry in neighboring countries.
Research findings have shown that feeding shrimp a diet supplemented with hybrid single-cell algae can increase the survival rate of whiteleg shrimp infected with white spot syndrome virus up to 70%. This technology can be utilized to assist shrimp farmers in preventing viral diseases and other pathogen-induced diseases both in Thailand and throughout the ASEAN region.
In this context, Kent, UCL, and BIOTEC are collaborating to develop a microalgal-based platform for disease prevention in Thailand's shrimp farming industry.
Another international research cooperation is geared towards enhancing the production of biopharmaceuticals and vaccines for animals in Thailand and ASEAN countries. It was found that in Thailand, there are more than 150,000 pig farmers, many of whom are impacted by the continued spread of various viruses. This situation has caused significant economic damage. While animal vaccines are essential for preventing and controlling diseases caused by virulent viruses, almost all the vaccines for swines in Thailand rely on expensive foreign technology and tend to be less effective due to differences in local virus strains.
The research project, therefore, aims to develop a platform for the production of recombinant proteins in the necessary quantities and qualities for the creation of biosimilar drugs for humans and vaccines and biotherapeutics for swines. The goal is to produce these at a lower cost, thereby making them more widely available. This collaboration encompasses the whole process from upstream to downstream operations.
The research team has successfully produced a prototype vaccine for Porcine Circovirus type 2 (PCV2d), a viral pathogen responsible for post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) in swines. The vaccine was produced using bacterial fermentation and a single-step purification process. Upon testing in swines, it was found to be safe and is currently undergoing efficacy evaluation for disease prevention in animals.
Additionally, work has begun on producing porcine interferon using hybrid yeast fermentation, a future tool for managing animal health on farms. This could serve as an immune booster or an emergency medication to curb the spread of viruses.
Besides developing animal vaccine production processes and bioproducts in Thailand, emphasis is also placed on personnel development. This includes promoting training, collaborative research, and developing short-term training courses in production processes to feed quality personnel into the industry.
The overarching aim is to improve the overall health and hygiene of animals in Thailand, which will enhance food security, elevate public health, and build the capabilities of Thai researchers.
Source: National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA)
Tel. +66 2564 7000
EN
CN
DE
JP
TH
