Lumpy Skin Disease Vaccine Biolumpivaxin Approved

February 12, 2025

Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) poses threat to cattle health and the dairy industry in India. The recent approval of Biolumpivaxin, a vaccine developed by Biovet, marks a very important moment in combating this disease. This vaccine is notable for being the world’s first Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals (DIVA) marker vaccine. It aims to enhance disease surveillance and improve the management of infected and vaccinated cattle.

About Lumpy Skin Disease

Lumpy Skin Disease is a viral infection affecting cattle and buffaloes.
It is characterised by skin nodules, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
The disease leads to decreased milk production and mobility issues in affected animals.
Transmission primarily occurs through vector bites from insects such as mosquitoes and ticks.
This disease has resulted in mortality and economic losses in the dairy sector.

Biolumpivaxin – Key Features

Biolumpivaxin is a groundbreaking vaccine that allows for the differentiation between vaccinated and naturally infected animals.
This feature is crucial for effective disease management.
The vaccine is produced at Biovet’s facility in Mallur, Karnataka, with an impressive capacity of 500 million doses annually.
It requires a single dose per year for cattle and buffaloes over three months old.

Development and Testing

The vaccine underwent rigorous testing at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Research Centre on Equines (ICAR-NRCE) and the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI). These institutions ensured that Biolumpivaxin meets high safety and efficacy standards. The vaccine has been proven safe for all animal groups, including pregnant and lactating females.

Impact on the Dairy Industry

The introduction of Biolumpivaxin is expected to mitigate the impact of LSD on the dairy industry. Over the past two years, the disease has led to the death of approximately 200,000 cattle and a substantial decline in milk production. The estimated economic loss from LSD has exceeded Rs 18,337.76 crores, severely affecting small-scale farmers and the rural economy.

Future Prospects

With the licensure of Biolumpivaxin, India is moving towards self-reliance in veterinary healthcare. The vaccine is anticipated to play important role in achieving a disease-free livestock population. Its availability will support the sustainability of the dairy industry, which is vital for the livelihoods of millions of farmers across the country.

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