SALUVET-INNOVA S.L. WILL DEVELOP A VACCINE AGAINST TOXOPLASMOSIS IN THE SWINE WITH FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM THE COMMUNITY OF MADRID (THE RIS3 PROGRAM)

SALUVET-innova S.L. has just been awarded a subsidy of the Program of Aid for the development of young innovative companies (start-up’s) of technological base and innovative high intensity SMEs, within the framework of the Regional Strategy for Research and Innovation for a Smart Specialization (RIS3). The RIS3 program of the Community of Madrid includes, among other objectives, establishing actions aimed at promoting the creation of innovative new technology-based companies and improving the productivity of companies already consolidated through the promotion of business innovation and business activities of technology transfer in Technology Areas considered Strategic.

The objective of the project presented by SALUVET-innova S.L. is to develop a vaccine against toxoplasmosis in pigs. Spain is one of the leading producers and exporters of pigs worlwide and traditional pork products are of great gastronomic value. The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in pigs can reach 90% that may varies according to the country and region studied. In Spain 85% of farms are infected with a seroprevalence between 2.9% to 92.8% depending on the geographical area, breed and management systems studied. Toxoplasmosis is one of the most relevant foodborne zoonosis. It is estimated that one third of the population has been in contact with this parasite (Toxoplasma gondii) according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The consumption of raw or undercooked meat from infected animals constitutes one of the potential sources of infection for people, including the consumption of pork meat. Toxoplasma gondii infection in humans is usually mild or without symptoms but presents the greatest risks for immunosuppressed and pregnant women since fetus may die. An efficacious vaccine against toxoplasmosis would reduce the infection in pig farms and subsequently in the consumer.