Global Animal Health Leaders Unite at Kansas State University to Advance Veterinary Vaccine Manufacturing and Disease Preparedness

International Symposium Highlights Next-Generation Biomanufacturing Strategies to Combat Transboundary Animal Diseases

More than 110 leading experts from academia, government agencies and the animal health industry gathered in Manhattan, Kansas, for the Symposium on Biomanufacturing: Mitigating Transboundary Animal Disease Threats, reinforcing global efforts to strengthen veterinary vaccine manufacturing, rapid diagnostics and international disease preparedness.

Hosted by the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine in partnership with the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) and supported through the Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases (CEEZAD), the invitation-only symposium brought together scientists and policymakers from North America, South America, Europe and Asia to address some of the world’s most significant livestock disease challenges.

Strengthening Global Preparedness Against Transboundary Animal Diseases

The symposium focused on improving global readiness for transboundary animal diseases (TADs)—high-impact infectious diseases capable of spreading rapidly across national borders and disrupting livestock production, food security and international trade. Key scientific sessions examined:

• Veterinary vaccine development

• Advanced biomanufacturing technologies

• Rapid laboratory and field diagnostics

• Emergency response planning

• International scientific collaboration

• Manufacturing capacity for veterinary biologics

Participants emphasized that stronger partnerships between universities, governments and industry are essential to accelerate the development and production of vaccines and diagnostic tools needed during future animal disease outbreaks.

International Experts Share Scientific Expertise

The symposium featured speakers from a broad range of internationally recognized organizations, including:

• The Pirbright Institute (United Kingdom)

• USDA National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF)

• USDA Center for Veterinary Biologics

• Iowa State University

• Colorado State University

• VIDO (Canada)

• Kansas State University

• Public health organizations from the Americas

• Animal health and biotechnology companies representing multiple continents

The multidisciplinary programme encouraged collaboration across scientific research, vaccine manufacturing, regulatory science and emergency preparedness.

Focus on Veterinary Vaccine Biomanufacturing

One of the symposium’s central themes was expanding veterinary vaccine manufacturing capacity. Experts discussed how modern biomanufacturing technologies—including automation, advanced cell culture systems, digital manufacturing platforms and artificial intelligence—could shorten the time required to develop and produce vaccines against emerging livestock diseases.

The meeting also explored strategies to strengthen manufacturing resilience and improve supply-chain readiness during disease emergencies. These discussions align with broader plans supporting the NBAF Biologics Development Module and next-generation veterinary biologics production.

Rapid Diagnostics Remain a Critical Priority

Early detection continues to be one of the most effective tools for controlling foreign animal diseases. Participants highlighted ongoing advances in:

• Molecular diagnostics

• Point-of-care testing

• High-throughput laboratory platforms

• Digital disease surveillance

• Integrated outbreak monitoring systems

Rapid diagnostic technologies can significantly reduce the time between disease detection and implementation of control measures, limiting economic losses and protecting livestock populations.

Collaboration Across Sectors

Opening remarks from university and NBAF leadership emphasized that protecting global animal agriculture requires cooperation across institutional and national boundaries.

Researchers noted that diseases such as African swine fever, foot-and-mouth disease, highly pathogenic avian influenza and other emerging livestock pathogens demand coordinated international scientific responses involving research institutions, regulators, industry and veterinary services.

Why This Matters

Transboundary animal diseases remain among the greatest threats to livestock production worldwide. Major outbreaks can result in:

• Billions of dollars in economic losses.

• Livestock mortality and production declines.

• International trade restrictions.

• Food security challenges.

• Increased pressure on veterinary public health systems.

By bringing together experts in vaccine development, diagnostics and biomanufacturing, the symposium highlighted the growing importance of preparedness rather than reactive disease control.

Looking Ahead

The symposium reinforced Kansas State University’s and NBAF’s expanding role as an international centre for veterinary biodefence, animal health innovation and biomanufacturing.

As governments and industry continue investing in faster vaccine development, advanced diagnostics and resilient manufacturing systems, collaborations such as this are expected to play an increasingly important role in protecting livestock, supporting global food security and strengthening preparedness against future transboundary animal disease outbreaks.