Mallur, Karnataka, February 11 2025 — In a groundbreaking development for the animal health sector, Biovet, a leading innovator in animal vaccines and a part of the Bharat Biotech Group, has announced that its world-first Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals (DIVA) marker vaccine for Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) has been granted approval by the Central Drug Standards Control Organization (CDSCO).
The vaccine, BIOLUMPIVAXIN®, is set to become a critical tool in controlling and preventing LSD in dairy cattle and buffaloes, marking a significant step toward India’s self-reliance in veterinary healthcare. This revolutionary vaccine is the first of its kind globally to offer a safe and effective solution that not only prevents infection but also allows differentiation between vaccinated and infected animals.
What Makes BIOLUMPIVAXIN® Unique?
BIOLUMPIVAXIN® is the only LSD vaccine in the world that employs the DIVA concept, enabling veterinary experts to distinguish between animals that have been vaccinated and those that are naturally infected with LSD. This unique feature is essential for the management and control of LSD outbreaks, facilitating accurate disease surveillance and targeted eradication programs.
Developed in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research – National Research Centre on Equines (ICAR-NRCE), this live-attenuated marker vaccine was tested extensively at the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) and ICAR-NRCE. Rigorous preclinical and field trials have confirmed its high safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy.
CDSCO Licenses Biovet’s First-Ever DIVA Vaccine for Lumpy Skin Disease
Unlike other global vaccines, which may cause side effects such as fever, micronodules, and reduced milk production (the “Neethling effect”), BIOLUMPIVAXIN® stands out for its superior safety profile. The vaccine has been proven to not cause any adverse reactions, making it the safest option for use in dairy cattle and buffaloes, including pregnant and lactating animals.
Impact on India’s Dairy Industry
Lumpy Skin Disease has had a devastating impact on India’s dairy sector, causing the death of approximately 200,000 cattle and leading to a drastic reduction in milk production across the country. With millions of farmers relying on dairy farming as a primary source of income, the introduction of BIOLUMPIVAXIN® comes as a major relief.
Dr. Krishna Ella, Founder of Biovet, highlighted that the CDSCO licensure represents a significant leap toward India’s self-sufficiency in veterinary vaccines. He emphasized that the vaccine will help build a more sustainable dairy industry, driving economic growth and improving livelihoods for millions of farmers across the country.
A Glimpse at the Future of Dairy Health in India
With the Biovet Mallur facility capable of producing up to 500 million doses annually, BIOLUMPIVAXIN® is expected to be commercially available soon, offering a long-term solution for the ongoing battle against LSD.
The vaccine’s formulation ensures it remains stable at 2-8°C, making it easy to store and distribute across rural India, where access to quality veterinary healthcare can be limited.
Fast Facts on Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD)
Lumpy Skin Disease is a transboundary viral disease that severely impacts cattle and buffaloes. The disease is transmitted by biting insects, such as mosquitoes and ticks, and can cause fever, skin lesions, and drastic reductions in milk yield. The 2022 LSD outbreak in India resulted in morbidity rates of up to 80%, with a 67% fatality rate, causing massive economic losses estimated at ₹18,337.76 crores.
Vaccination remains the most effective strategy to prevent the spread of LSD, and the approval of BIOLUMPIVAXIN® brings hope to the dairy industry, enabling farmers to protect their herds from this devastating disease.
Looking Forward
With the BIOLUMPIVAXIN® vaccine, the future of India’s dairy sector looks brighter than ever. This innovative solution aligns with the country’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) vision, significantly reducing dependency on imported vaccines and enhancing national animal health security.
As Biovet and ICAR continue their work to combat animal diseases, the world can expect more innovations that ensure the health, safety, and sustainability of the global livestock sector.