Regional Australians – especially those in livestock industries – will benefit from a landmark agreement between the Australian Government and Seqirus to secure the nation’s Q Fever vaccine production.
The Government today announced a new high-tech vaccine manufacturing facility will be developed in Melbourne to secure Australia’s long-term critical health products, including Q Fever, and life-saving antivenoms.
Minister for Regional Health and Parkes MP, Mark Coulton, said the new laboratory, which would see local production secured until 2036, helps ensure the safety of some of the nation’s hardest workers.
“Australians who live and work in the bush are well aware of the dangers of Q Fever and today’s announcement is sure to be welcomed far and wide.
“The potentially-debilitating Q Fever bacterium (Coxiella burnetti) can be carried by both domestic and wild animals, which places many of the nation’s hardest workers, from roo shooters to abattoir workers, graziers, and even greenkeepers at risk of contracting the disease with their only real protection coming in the form of vaccine.
“The risk doesn’t end at the work site either, with winds able to distribute contaminated dust particles far from the source.
“While people across the globe suffer from Q Fever, Australian company, Seqirus, is the only producer of the sole existing vaccine, Q Vax, which makes today’s announcement all the more important as its impact will be felt abroad.”
Today’s announcement follows recent investments by the Australian Government in trials to test a new Q Fever vaccine and to test Q Vax with a younger cohort. Currently, Q Vax is only available for use by people aged over 15 years and relies on an antibody test prior to application. These developments seek to increase the usability and access to protection against Q Fever in the hope of minimising its incidence.
Minister Coulton added the benefit that a strengthened supply of antivenoms will help reduce the chances of regional Australians falling victim to many of the world’s most venomous animals.
“Australia is known for its inhospitable wildlife, and many in the regions live with the danger they pose every day.
“Producing antivenoms locally means we have the right antivenom, for the right situation, right here in Australia,” Mr Coulton said.
“Today’s investment ensures these life-saving medicines will reach the patient when they’re needed, increasing the likelihood of survival and recovery,” said Mr Coulton.
“Without this historic agreement, Australia would need to source these critical products from overseas.”
Background
Antivenom list:
o Polyvalent Snake Antivenom
o Tiger Snake Antivenom
o Brown Snake Antivenom
o Black Snake Antivenom
o Death Adder Antivenom
o Taipan Antivenom
o Sea Snake Antivenom
o Stonefish Antivenom
o Red Back Spider Antivenom
o Funnel Web Spider Antivenom
o Box Jellyfish Antivenom
o Snake Venom Detection Kit
