Winner of the EcoAntibio Award – 2021 Edition

Sabine Riffault – Director of the Molecular Virology and Immunology Unit – INRAE

Leading Action 3 of the second Ecoantibio plan, “Encouraging the use of vaccines to prevent the emergence of infectious diseases”, the Veterinary Pharmaceutical Industry Association (SIMV) renewed the call for scientific publications for the 2021 EcoAntibio Award.

This Award recognizes a scientific publication from 2020, intended to distinguish research work published by a student or researcher meeting the following criteria:

• Works highlighting the positive impact of vaccination

• Works highlighting the positive impact of other innovative therapeutic solutions (algae, peptides, probiotics, phages, etc.) in reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance emergence and reducing the need for antibiotic prescriptions.

Only projects with potential for industrial exploitation by veterinary pharmaceutical companies were eligible.

The jury met on June 17, chaired by JY Madec (ANSES).

The publication selected by the jury for the 2021 Ecoantibio research award is:

“A single shot pre-fusion-stabilized Bovine RSV F Vaccine is Safe and Effective in Newborn Calves with Maternally Derived Antibodies” in Vaccines, and the winner is Sabine Riffault

The jury selected this publication from an international journal, whose scientific quality was highlighted. This article received the highest score during the jury’s evaluation.

This work presents a new approach for vaccinating cattle against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This respiratory pathology is the primary cause of antibiotic use in calves due to bacterial superinfections. The vaccine design is interesting, and its single-injection administration method is innovative. This study on a target animal also presents an excellent model for human medicine (animal model).

The jury also wished to grant a special mention to two other publications.

2 Jury Mentions awarded to:

• B Mounaix for “Calf – Double vaccination of mothers and awareness of colostrum distribution: positive impacts on the robustness of veal calves:” The interest of this study lies in its field application. This work, presented as a poster, demonstrates the importance of vaccination and breeding practices in successfully reducing the use of antibiotics. Publication in a scientific journal is anticipated. See also the Idele website section dedicated to the valorization of the VEAU2+ project

• Nathan Cebron for “Th17-related mammary immunity, but not a high systematic Th1 immune response is associated with protection against E. coli mastitis.” The interest of this work focuses on the local immunization pathway of the udder in a major pathology for the bovine industry.

This award will be presented to Sabine Riffault at the RFSA COPIL meeting on October 27, 2021.

The SIMV extends its sincere congratulations.

The publication videos will be available soon.