Bharat Biotech’s Biovet Receives CDSCO Licence for Lumpy Skin Disease Vaccine

Biovet, a subsidiary of Bharat Biotech, has secured a license from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) for its lumpy skin disease (LSD) vaccine, designed specifically for dairy cattle.

Biovet asserts that this vaccine marks a global first for a highly contagious viral disease that devastates cattle populations. Symptoms of LSD include fever, skin swelling, and swollen lymph nodes.

In collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Biovet has developed a vaccine named Biolumpivaxin. The company anticipates its commercial launch soon, as announced in their latest statement.

The vaccine’s quality, safety, and efficacy have undergone rigorous testing at the National Research Centre on Equines (NRCE), Hisar, and the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI). According to the firm, it meets the highest global standards.

Dr. Ella highlighted the vaccine’s significance as a step toward India’s self-sufficiency in veterinary healthcare. This groundbreaking advancement reduces dependence on imported vaccines, vital as India aims to achieve a disease-free livestock population and ensure the dairy industry’s sustainability.

Data suggests that in the last two years, approximately 200,000 cattle perished, and millions more experienced a decline in milk production due to LSD across the country.

LSD poses a significant threat to cattle health and the dairy sector in India. It is a trans-boundary animal disease that has garnered substantial attention.

The disease manifests through the development of nodules on the skin, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, reduced milk yield, and mobility issues. The LSD virus is primarily spread via vector bites, with mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects being key transmitters.

The 2022 LSD outbreak in India had a severe impact, with morbidity rates rising to up to 80% in affected regions. Case fatality rates peaked at 67% across states such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir.

The outbreak caused an estimated economic loss of over ₹18,337.76 crore and a 26% reduction in milk output, significantly impacting the dairy industry and rural economies. These figures were cited from ICAR data.

LSD has emerged as a substantial threat to dairy productivity in India, particularly for millions of small-scale, marginal farmers.

History

LSD was initially reported in Zambia, Africa, in 1929. It remained geographically isolated to Africa for several decades before making its way to Egypt in 1988 and Israel in 1989.

The virus has since spread to regions such as the Middle East, Europe, and various Asian countries, including India. Its first confirmed occurrence in India was in 2019, and since then, it has spread rapidly across numerous states, causing significant economic losses and reductions in milk production.

Vaccination is considered the most effective method for controlling LSD. Homologous vaccines have proven particularly useful in this context. By instructing the immune system to prepare a defense against the LSD virus, vaccination acts as a preventive measure for cattle and buffaloes.

It is essential to vaccinate livestock well in advance since it takes about 3 to 4 weeks for the animals to develop the necessary immunity. This strategy ensures that cattle and buffaloes of all age groups are protected from LSD infection.