Breakthrough with vaccine against equine sarcoids

A research team at the University of Kentucky has developed an experimental vaccine against equine sarcoids and achieved promising initial results. The tumors, which occur frequently in horses and are difficult to treat, are linked to the bovine papillomavirus type 1 (BPV1).

As part of a study at the Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, ten horses were vaccinated with a baculovirus-based vaccine that expresses the viral L1 protein. The vaccinated animals developed strong antibody titers, while control horses showed no immune response.

The researchers rate the vaccine as potentially effective protection against sarcoids. Even though the preparation is still in the test phase, it has a good safety profile. If its efficacy is confirmed in further studies, this could provide the basis for effective immunization against this widespread skin disease in horses.