**Biovet Secures License for World’s First Lumpy Skin Disease Vaccine for Cattle**
Biovet, a subsidiary of Bharat Biotech, has obtained a license from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) for its lumpy skin disease (LSD) vaccine aimed at dairy cattle. The company asserts that this is the first vaccine of its kind globally for the highly contagious viral disease that impacts cattle, which is characterized by symptoms such as fever, skin swelling, and enlarged lymph nodes.
Developed in partnership with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the vaccine, named Biolumpivaxin, is expected to be commercially launched soon, as stated by the company on Monday. The vaccine’s quality, safety, and efficacy have been rigorously evaluated at the ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines (NRCE) in Hisar and the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), ensuring compliance with the highest international standards.
Dr. Krishna Ella, founder of Biovet, remarked, “This DIVA (differentiation of infected from vaccinated animals) marker vaccine is a transformative advancement in veterinary medicine for disease surveillance and eradication efforts. Epidemiologists and field personnel can now easily differentiate between vaccinated animals and those previously infected with LSD.” He further emphasized that the CDSCO’s approval for this vaccine marks a significant milestone toward India’s self-reliance in veterinary healthcare, reducing reliance on imported vaccines. As India strives for a disease-free livestock population, this innovative vaccine is poised to play a vital role in sustaining the dairy industry.
Estimates indicate that in the last two years, around 200,000 cattle have succumbed to lumpy skin disease, with millions more experiencing reduced milk production across the country. LSD is a trans-boundary animal disease that has garnered considerable attention in India due to its detrimental effects on cattle health and the dairy sector. The disease manifests through the formation of skin nodules, fever, swollen lymph nodes, decreased milk yield, and mobility issues. The transmission of the LSD virus is primarily facilitated by vector bites, with mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects being significant contributors.
During the 2022 LSD outbreak in India, morbidity rates soared to 80%, with case fatality rates reaching as high as 67% in states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir. This outbreak resulted in an estimated economic loss exceeding ₹18,337.76 crore and a 26% decline in milk production, severely impacting the dairy industry and rural economies, according to ICAR data.
LSD has emerged as a critical threat to dairy productivity in India, affecting millions of small-scale and marginal farmers. The disease was first identified in Zambia, Africa, in 1929 and remained confined to the continent for several decades before spreading to Egypt in 1988 and Israel in 1989. Over the years, the LSD virus has expanded its reach across the Middle East and Europe.