Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) has emerged as 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 milestone in the fight against this disease. This groundbreaking 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.
Understanding Lumpy Skin Disease
Lumpy Skin Disease is a viral infection that affects cattle and buffaloes, leading to severe health and economic consequences.
- Symptoms: The disease manifests through skin nodules, fever, and swollen lymph nodes, severely impacting the health of affected animals.
- Transmission: The virus spreads primarily through vector bites from insects such as mosquitoes and ticks.
- Economic Impact: LSD has caused a drastic decline in milk production and mobility issues in cattle, resulting in significant financial losses for the dairy sector.
- Mortality Rate: Over the past two years, approximately 200,000 cattle have succumbed to LSD, with total economic losses exceeding Rs 18,337.76 crores.
Biolumpivaxin – A Revolutionary Vaccine
Biolumpivaxin is a pioneering vaccine with distinct advantages:
- DIVA Technology: It allows for differentiation between naturally infected and vaccinated animals, aiding in precise disease management and surveillance.
- Production Capacity: Manufactured at Biovet’s advanced facility in Mallur, Karnataka, with an annual capacity of 500 million doses.
- Dosage Requirements: A single dose per year is sufficient for cattle and buffaloes above three months old.
Development and Testing
Biolumpivaxin underwent extensive testing to ensure its safety and effectiveness:
- Testing Institutions: The vaccine was rigorously tested at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Research Centre on Equines (ICAR-NRCE) and the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI).
- Safety Standards: It has been proven safe for all animal groups, including pregnant and lactating females, ensuring broad applicability.
Impact on the Dairy Industry
The introduction of Biolumpivaxin is expected to revolutionize LSD management and support the dairy industry:
- Disease Control: With an effective vaccine in place, the spread of LSD can be significantly reduced, safeguarding livestock health.
- Economic Stability: By preventing milk production losses and cattle mortality, the vaccine will help stabilize the rural economy, benefiting small-scale farmers.
Future Prospects
The licensure of Biolumpivaxin marks a critical step towards self-reliance in veterinary healthcare:
- Sustainable Livestock Management: The vaccine is anticipated to play a vital role in achieving a disease-free livestock population.
- Strengthening the Dairy Industry: Ensuring cattle health is essential for sustaining India’s dairy sector, which supports millions of farmers across the country.
With Biolumpivaxin, India is poised to take a significant leap forward in veterinary science, reinforcing its commitment to livestock welfare and economic resilience.