New Vaccine Could Prevent Nipah Virus in Pigs
The Duo-ProTectz project aims to curb zoonotic transmission through a new dual-vaccine for livestock.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Diseases — General
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The Pirbright Institute is leading a three-year project to develop a bivalent vaccine targeting both the Nipah virus and pseudorabies in pigs. This international effort seeks to prevent zoonotic transmission to humans by creating a dual-purpose solution for livestock.
Why it matters
Currently, no licensed vaccines for Nipah virus exist, leaving a significant gap in pandemic prevention. By protecting pigs, researchers aim to break the chain of transmission that previously caused massive outbreaks and billions in economic impact.
The Duo-ProTectz project involves a three-year development timeline for a new bivalent vaccine. While preclinical research is ongoing, the project has yet to establish efficacy or safety profiles for commercial use.
The players
The Pirbright Institute
A U.K.-based center for research on viral diseases of livestock and viruses that spread from animals to humans.
U.K. Vaccine Network
A funding body focused on developing vaccines against high-consequence infectious diseases.
BioStone Animal Health
A company specializing in diagnostic and therapeutic products for livestock health.
The details
The vaccine platform utilizes a live attenuated pseudorabies virus engineered to express Nipah virus proteins, allowing the immune system to recognize both pathogens. To ensure successful implementation, the team is also developing a DIVA ELISA diagnostic test. This tool will allow farmers and veterinarians to distinguish between animals that are protected by the vaccine and those that are naturally infected.
Timeline
1998-1999: Nipah virus outbreak occurred in Malaysia.
2026-2029: Duration of the Duo-ProTectz research project.
2028: Expected entry into full commercial development for the vaccine and tests.
Health Landscape
The development of this vaccine follows the pattern of the 1998-99 Nipah outbreak in Malaysia, which resulted in the culling of over 1 million pigs and $582 million in economic losses. This project aims to evolve beyond that reactive precedent by creating a preventative, bivalent solution for livestock.
This project focuses on zoonotic disease prevention at the agricultural level, which is a key component of public health safety in at-risk regions. While the vaccine is intended for pigs, keeping the virus out of livestock populations reduces the overall risk of human spillover events.
The takeaway
Zoonotic viruses remain a global public health threat, and agricultural vaccination represents a critical layer of defense. Keep informed about international veterinary guidelines if you travel to or reside in regions where livestock-human viral transmission is monitored.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest research in the Diseases — General section.
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