Disease Control

New Delhi, February 11: In a major breakthrough for animal health, India’s drug regulatory authority has approved a vaccine for cattle and buffaloes against lumpy skin disease (LSD), a viral infection that has severely impacted livestock farmers. The newly approved vaccine, Biolumpivaxin, developed by Biovet in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), features a unique marker that differentiates infected animals from vaccinated ones. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation granted approval for the vaccine, which is expected to play a crucial role in curbing the spread of LSD and minimizing economic losses. The disease, which spreads through insect bites, has led to over 200,000 cattle deaths in India since 2022, causing a significant decline in milk production. “This DIVA marker vaccine could be a game-changer in veterinary medicine for disease surveillance, outbreak control, and eradication efforts,” said Krishna Ella, founder of Biovet. The Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals (DIVA) technology allows rapid identification of unvaccinated animals, enabling targeted immunization efforts. With the risk of fresh LSD outbreaks expected in 2025, particularly post-monsoon, experts highlight the urgent need for widespread vaccination. Scientists warn that natural immunity from the 2022 outbreak has likely waned, making cattle populations vulnerable again. Biovet’s facility in Mallur, Karnataka, has the capacity to produce 500 million doses annually. While the vaccine is ready for commercial rollout, production timelines will depend on government procurement plans. The approval of Biolumpivaxin marks a significant step in disease control efforts, ensuring better livestock health and protecting the dairy industry from future outbreaks. Source: Telegraph