Indian Veterinary Research Institute

Vijayawada: Biovet , a subsidiary of Bharat Biotech , has announced the launch of its Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals (DIVA)-compliant Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) vaccine — Biolumpivaxin . Approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Biolumpivaxin is a novel, indigenous, live-attenuated marker vaccine developed using the LSD virus in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research–National Research Centre on Equines ( ICAR-NRCE ), Hisar. Designed as a once-a-year regimen, the vaccine is suitable for cattle and buffaloes of all ages. and its 1 mL reconstituted dose is administered via the subcutaneous (S/C) route. This DIVA-based vaccine enables serological differentiation between naturally infected and vaccinated animals, thus offering a critical tool for implementing more effective LSD control programs. “We are truly honoured. Livestock, alongside our human resources, represents one of the nation’s greatest assets, contributing significantly to our economy and overall prosperity,” said Dr. Krishna Ella, Founder of Biovet and Executive Chairman of Bharat Biotech. The vaccine’s safety and efficacy were validated by the ICAR–Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) and ICAR-NRCE. Studies confirmed its absence of reversion to virulence, along with strong immunogenicity, protective efficacy, and superiority in cattle, demonstrated through vaccination-challenge trials conducted in a BSL-3 facility. Biovet’s facility in Bengaluru can manufacture up to 500 million doses annually, ensuring consistent and sustainable supply. The vaccine is available in multi-dose vials ranging from 25 to 100 doses and remains stable at storage temperatures of 2 to 8°C. According to the Ministry of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, India has experienced two major LSD outbreaks — one in 2019 and another in 2022. These outbreaks resulted in the death of nearly 200,000 cattle and significant milk production losses due to LSD infection. By Online Bureau ,