Indigenously Developed Vaccine To Combat LSD scare

Vijayawada: In a far-reaching step toward improving livestock health and advancing national efforts for disease-free animal husbandry, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh N Chnadrababu Naidu on Wednesday launched the indigenous Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) vaccine Biolumppivaxin, developed by Biovet, a subsidiary of Bharat Biotech.

After addressing the livestock Property Conclave here, which offered widespread relief to farmers and livestock owners across the region, he said on X :."Delighted to take part in the Tech AI 2.0 Conclave organised by the Animal Husbandry Department and the Global Forum for Sustainable Transformation...it was inspiring to interact with various individuals who are contributing to animal husbandry through various initiatives. They are playing an important role in turning the sector into a pillar of inclusive growth in the State."

He said animal husbandry is key to rural prosperity, women's empowerment, rural employment generation, and food security in India. AP is ranked 1st in egg, 5th in meat and 7th in milk production in India. The LSD vaccine, which is CDSCO approved, is the world's first and safest, differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals (DIVA) marker vaccine, which will help in disease surveillance to protect livestock from LSD. In his address after the launching of the vaccine, Naidu applauded Biovet for the development, and commercialisation of this unique livestock vaccine. The Chief Minister remarked that it is heartening to note the availability of world class made in India vaccines. He emphasised that all viable measures should be taken earnestly to ensure the effective rollout of the vaccine, which not only can contribute to the state’s targeted 20% livestock growth trajectory but also promote the long-term sustainability of the dairy industry.

Expressing gratitude to the Chief Minister for launching the vaccine and describing the launch of the DIVA Marker LSD vaccine as an important step toward eradicating Lumpy disease, Dr. Krishna Ella, Founder, Biovet and Executive Chairman of Bharat Biotech, said: '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.

We carry a deep responsibility to protect this sector, ensure the well-being of the dairy industry, and advance the nation's Atma Nirbhar Bharat vision."