The New South Wales government is partnering with U.S. biotechnology company Tiba Biotech to fast-track mRNA vaccines for Lumpy Skin Disease and Foot and Mouth Disease, according to a Sept. 28 press release. Both illnesses have the potential to be devastating for Australia's $28.7 billion livestock industry.
A viral Instagram post claims mRNA vaccines are already mandatory for the country's cattle – and with disastrous effects.
"A friend informed me today that her neighbor, a dairy farmer, is now forced to vaccinate her herd with an mRNA vaccine!" reads part of the Oct. 1 Instagram post. "She complied and of the 200 herd of cattle, 35 died instantly!"
The post goes on to claim that mRNA vaccines alter DNA and therefore the milk produced by vaccinated cattle is also altered. The post garnered more than 400 likes.
These claims are not true, though.
There are no mandatory vaccinations for cattle in New South Wales, and mRNA vaccines are still in development, according to the state government. And officials have received no reports of any cattle dying from other vaccines.
In addition, mRNA vaccines do not alter the DNA of humans or animals, experts say.
USA TODAY reached out to several users who shared the post for comment.
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