• Biolumpi Vaxin, developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR), is the world’s first vaccine for Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in cattle and buffaloes.
  • It was developed by Biovet, a group company of Bharat Biotech.
  • Recently, it has received approval from the Central Drug Standards Control Organization (CDSCO), marking a significant advancement in veterinary healthcare in India.
BIolumpi Vaxin explained for UPSC

KEY FEATURES

  • Global First:
    • Biolumpi Vaxin is the first-ever DIVA (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals) marker vaccine for Lumpy Skin Disease.
    • It represents a significant milestone in global veterinary medicine.
  • DIVA Technology:
    • DIVA technology allows differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals.
    • This helps in effective disease surveillance and control programs, ensuring that only infected animals are isolated while vaccinated ones can continue to move freely.
  • High Safety and Efficacy:
    • The vaccine has been rigorously tested for quality, safety, and effectiveness to ensure its suitability for use in cattle and buffaloes.
  • Single-Dose Regimen:
    • It is administered as a single dose per year to cattle and buffaloes aged above 3 months.
  • Vaccine Strain:
    • The vaccine is developed using the Lumpy Skin Disease Virus/Ranchi/2019 strain sourced from ICAR-NRCE, Hisar.

BACKGROUND OF LUMPY SKIN DISEASE

  • Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is a viral infection affecting cattle and buffaloes, primarily causing severe economic losses in the dairy and livestock industry.
  • Cause: The disease is caused by the Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV), which belongs to the Poxviridae family.
  • Spread: The virus spreads through blood-sucking vectors like ticks, mites, houseflies, and mosquitoes. It can also be transmitted through contaminated water, fodder, and feed.
  • Symptoms:
    • Visible lumps or nodules on the skin.
    • Fever, swelling, and lesions.
  • Economic Impact:
    • Reduced milk production.
    • Infertility in livestock.
    • Increased mortality in some cases, leading to severe economic losses.
BIolumpi Vaxin explained for UPSC

WHAT IS DIVA?

  • What is DIVA Technology?
    • DIVA vaccines are designed to differentiate between animals that have been naturally infected and those that have been vaccinated.
    • This differentiation helps in preventing disease outbreaks while enabling efficient disease surveillance and eradication.
  • Advantages of DIVA Vaccines:
    • Identification of Infected Animals: Infected animals can be easily identified, and restrictions can be imposed only on them, while vaccinated animals are allowed to move freely.
    • Monitoring Vaccine Efficacy: DIVA vaccines allow monitoring of wild-type virus transmission in vaccinated populations, ensuring the vaccine’s effectiveness.
  • Disadvantages of DIVA Vaccines:
    • Less Effectiveness: DIVA vaccines may not be as effective as traditional vaccines, potentially leading to incomplete protection.
    • Special Diagnostic Tests: Special tests are required to distinguish between infected and vaccinated animals. These tests may not be as sensitive or quick as conventional tests.
    • Complex Development: Developing DIVA vaccines is a challenging process due to the need for precise technology and techniques to differentiate infections.