India Approves Biolumpivaxin Vaccine for Lumpy Skin Disease

Current Affairs National

Posted by newadmin on 2025-02-13 08:48:52 |

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Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is a significant threat to cattle health and the dairy industry in India. The recent approval of Biolumpivaxin, a vaccine developed by Biovet, marks a major breakthrough in the fight against this disease. This vaccine is the world’s first Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals (DIVA) marker vaccine, designed to enhance disease surveillance and improve the management of infected and vaccinated cattle.

Lumpy Skin Disease is a viral infection that affects cattle and buffaloes, causing skin nodules, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. Infected animals experience decreased milk production and mobility issues, leading to severe economic losses. The disease is primarily transmitted through insect vectors such as mosquitoes and ticks, making it highly contagious. Over the past two years, LSD has led to the death of nearly 200,000 cattle and a decline in milk production, with the estimated economic loss surpassing Rs 18,337.76 crores. This has had a devastating impact on small-scale farmers and the rural economy.

Biolumpivaxin is a groundbreaking vaccine that allows for the differentiation between vaccinated and naturally infected animals, making it a crucial tool for disease management. Produced at Biovet’s facility in Mallur, Karnataka, the vaccine has an annual production capacity of 500 million doses. It requires only a single dose per year for cattle and buffaloes over three months old. Extensive testing at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Research Centre on Equines (ICAR-NRCE) and the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) has confirmed its safety and efficacy. The vaccine is safe for all animal groups, including pregnant and lactating females.

The introduction of Biolumpivaxin is expected to mitigate the impact of LSD on India’s dairy industry. By preventing further outbreaks and reducing cattle mortality, the vaccine will support the sustainability of the dairy sector, which is vital for the livelihoods of millions of farmers. With its approval, India is taking a significant step toward self-reliance in veterinary healthcare. The widespread availability of Biolumpivaxin will help achieve a disease-free livestock population, ensuring long-term stability in milk production and safeguarding the rural economy.

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