Biovet’s Lumpy Skin Disease Vaccine Gets Regulatory Approval

Sub: Sci

Sec: Health

Why in News

Biovet, a Bharat Biotech group company, has received a licence from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) for its lumpy skin disease (LSD) vaccine for dairy cattle. This development marks a significant step in India’s efforts to combat LSD, a highly infectious viral disease affecting cattle nationwide.

Key Points:

First-of-Its-Kind Vaccine: Biovet claims that its vaccine, Biolumpivaxin, is the world’s first for LSD.
The vaccine was developed in partnership with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
It has undergone rigorous quality, safety, and efficacy trials at ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines (NRCE), Hisar, and the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI).
DIVA Marker Technology: The vaccine enables the differentiation of infected from vaccinated animals (DIVA), aiding disease surveillance and eradication efforts.

About Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD):

LSD is a transboundary viral disease affecting cattle.
Symptoms include skin nodules, fever, swollen lymph nodes, reduced milk yield, and difficulty in movement.
It is primarily transmitted by mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects.
2022 Outbreak: Morbidity rates reached up to 80%, with case fatality rates as high as 67% in states such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir.
The outbreak resulted in losses of over ₹18,337.76 crore, with milk production declining by 26%, severely impacting the dairy industry and rural economy.
First reported in Zambia, Africa, in 1929.
Spread to Egypt (1988) and Israel (1989) before reaching the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.
First confirmed outbreak in India occurred in 2019, rapidly spreading across multiple states.

Vaccination as a Preventive Measure:

Vaccination is the most effective strategy to control LSD outbreaks.
Homologous vaccines are preferred for effective immune response.
It takes 3 to 4 weeks for vaccinated cattle to develop full immunity.
Prophylactic vaccination is crucial to protect all age groups of dairy cattle and buffaloes from infection.

What is DIVA Marker Technology?

DIVA marker technology involves using genetic or protein markers that allow diagnostic tests to differentiate between animals that have been vaccinated and those that have been infected by a particular pathogen.
This helps in tracking disease outbreaks and assessing vaccination programs effectively.
DIVA-compatible vaccines lack certain antigens (proteins) that the wild-type pathogen has.
Special serological tests (e.g., ELISA, PCR) can detect whether an animal has been naturally infected or only exposed to the vaccine.
Since vaccinated animals do not show markers of natural infection, it aids in monitoring disease spread and effectiveness of control measures.
Used in combating Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), Classical Swine Fever (CSF), Avian Influenza, and Bovine Tuberculosis.
Enables mass vaccination without losing the ability to detect real disease outbreaks.
Advantages:
- Differentiates vaccinated animals from infected ones.
- Helps in rapid containment and
- Supports trade and livestock movement by confirming disease-free status.