New vaccine against devastating cattle disease will soon be delivered to developing countries

In laboratories at the University of Calgary and University of Toronto — and through an expansive global network of collaborators — a new vaccine has been developed that will soon be used to prevent hemorrhagic septicemia (HS), a fast-moving and often fatal disease that devastates livestock in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). 

For small-holder farmers, the stakes are high. Livestock is often a family’s primary source of food, income and labour. When HS strikes, it moves quickly and is frequently fatal, leaving little opportunity to respond. This makes the creation of an effective vaccine of vital importance. 

“When hemorrhagic septicemia caused by Pasteurella multocida was listed as one of the targeted infections for the Livestock Innovation Fund (LVIF) from the Gates Foundation-IDRC (International Development Research Centre), we realized that the discoveries we had made related to disease-causing bacteria for meningitis could apply to diseases in livestock. We were  already set up to develop engineered antigens that should provide an effective vaccine,” says Dr. Anthony Schryvers, PhD’81, MD'84, a professor at the  Cumming School of Medicine (CSM).  

A successful application ultimately led to sufficient funding from LVIF, Global Alliance for Livestock Veterinary Medicines (GALVmed), and the Gates Foundation to achieve the goal of an effective vaccine for targeted LMIC countries. The vaccine is now moving closer to widespread use. 

Beyond protecting livestock, the vaccine contributes to a broader One Health goal. By reducing reliance on antibiotics, the new vaccine helps limit the spread of antimicrobial resistance — an issue that affects human, animal and environmental health worldwide. 

A vaccine designed for impact 

Capitalizing on established relationships with Ethiopia and Nepal, exchanges provided training opportunities for the LMIC partners and the ultimate ability to test the vaccine on appropriate livestock for LMIC countries. The most effective antigen was tested initially in mouse infection models and subsequently in cattle-infection experiments at UCalgary and in Ethiopia. The team of collaborators were able to explore options for inexpensive commercial production and stability to achieve long-term protection. These features were essential for a vaccine to be used by small holders. One vaccine formulation provided protection for up to 18 months and induced antibody responses that can persist for at least three years. 

This combination of long-lasting immunity and practical deployment makes it particularly suited for rural and resource-limited settings, where frequent re-vaccination is not feasible. 

The power of collaboration 

This breakthrough did not happen in isolation. It is the product of decades-long relationships that have been focused on developing vaccines for humans and food production animals. 

The story began years ago with foundational research by Schryvers into the surface proteins required for getting iron for growth in important disease-causing bacteria. The proteins were tested in human trials for meningitis. The research led to collaboration with Drs. Scott Gray-Owen and Trevor Moraes, both PhD, at the University of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine for designing improved, novel antigens after determining the structures of the surface proteins. 

Schryvers’ discoveries in the lab led to partnering with global vaccine companies for development of human vaccines leading to Phase I clinical trials in humans, and with VIDO for cattle vaccines. Gray-Owen, who was a graduate student in Schryvers’ lab during this time (1991-96), subsequently pursued his postdoctoral training at the Max Planck Institute in Tübingen, Germany. His training and subsequent research activities brought deep expertise in host-pathogen interactions to the vaccine development program.  

Schryvers acquired expertise in protein structure from his PhD and a series of sabbaticals with top structural biologists at Scripps Research Institute, followed by a sabbatical at the University of British Columbia, in which he worked with Moraes. Moraes was recruited to the University of Toronto. During a subsequent sabbatical by Schryvers in the Moraes lab, the plans were solidified for the three collaborators (Schryvers, Gray-Owen, Moraes) to essentially function as a single lab for the vaccine-development projects.  

Building global partnerships 

International collaboration proved just as critical. Schryvers was invited to attend a meeting at the Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI) in Ethiopia, which was subsequently followed by several visits to Ethiopia to meet with government officials and institutions. During these visits, Schryvers visited the National Vaccine Institute, which ultimately became the partner for testing the vaccine. 

The relationship with Ethiopian partners became a formal program at the CSM, including Dr. Guido van Marle, PhD, who was instrumental in "building capacity" through research and education programs in Ethiopia. Dr. Lashitew Gedamu, PhD, who had strong linkages with the Ethiopian institutes and government agencies, made the arrangements during the visits to Ethiopia that were essential for developing strong relationships. 

“When we applied to the LVIF program, we had established collaborators in Ethiopia, and colleagues from the (Faculty of Veterinary Medicine) had established collaborations in Bhutan, providing partnerships for on-the-ground capacity to make a real impact in key LMIC regions,” says Schryvers.  

The Gates-funded LVIF program also involved training visits by staff and scientists from Ethiopia and Bhutan in Schryvers' laboratory, and training sessions in Bhutan by the Calgary team. The local expertise in Ethiopia and Bhutan helped ensure that the vaccine would be relevant, practical and deployable in real-world conditions in LMIC countries. 

From lab bench to field use 

One of the common challenges in commercial development is securing appropriate intellectual property (IP). However, Schryvers had extensive experience in IP development which prompted the establishment of Engineered Antigens Inc. (EAI) with Schryvers, Gray-Owen and Moraes. which focused on securing IP. Having control of EAI and being pro-active in timely filing of provisional patents enabled them to efficiently develop IP for human and animal vaccines. It also made it possible to provide the license to the commercial partner without securing a revenue stream from products used in the targeted LMICs. Support from GALVmed — backed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation — has been pivotal in advancing the vaccine toward large-scale production and distribution. 

Designing for the real world 

From the outset, the team prioritized real-world application. Controlled laboratory studies quickly gave way to trials in target animals such as cattle and buffalo, while ongoing collaboration with international partners ensured that implementation strategies reflected local realities. 

“For us, success isn’t defined primarily by publications,” says Schryvers. “It’s about healthier animals, stronger communities and tangible improvements in people’s lives.” 

The journey to the anti-HS vaccine demonstrates that innovation and accessibility can go hand in hand with the right participants. “GALVmed was able to identify industry partners for distribution in LMIC countries — helping ensure that effective vaccines reach those who need them” reflects Schryvers. It is likely that this vaccine will be in use before the other vaccines Schryvers team have developed for food-production animals. 

As this vaccine moves closer to widespread use, it stands as a powerful example of how science, collaboration and purpose can converge to deliver real-world change.