Indigenous African Swine Fever (ASF) Vaccine
Why in News?
- The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed India's first indigenous MA-104 cell line-based Live Attenuated African Swine Fever (ASF) Vaccine for pigs.
- Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan recently dedicated the vaccine to the nation during ICAR's Foundation Day celebrations, marking a major milestone in India's veterinary biotechnology and livestock biosecurity.
About African Swine Fever (ASF)
- African Swine Fever (ASF) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs, caused by the African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV).
- It belongs to the Asfarviridae family and is the only known DNA arbovirus (arthropod-borne DNA virus).
- The disease has an extremely high mortality rate (up to 100%) in pigs.
- There is no risk to humans, as ASF does not infect people and is not a food safety concern.
- India reported its first ASF outbreak in 2020, mainly affecting the North-Eastern States, causing major economic losses to pig farmers.
Key Highlights of the Indigenous Vaccine
- Developed by: ICAR–National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (ICAR-NIHSAD), Bhopal.
- Vaccine Type: MA-104 Cell Line-Based Live Attenuated Vaccine.
- Innovation: Developed using an Indian field isolate of ASF Virus (Genotype II).
- Administration: A 1 mL intramuscular dose for pigs above 8 weeks of age, followed by a booster after 14 days.
- Protection: Provides immunity for up to six months.
- Production Advantage: The MA-104 cell line enables cost-effective, scalable, and commercial manufacturing.
- Laboratory studies confirmed high safety, genetic stability, strong immune response, and no reversion to virulence.
Significance
- Provides India with an indigenous solution for controlling one of the most devastating diseases affecting pig farming.
- Reduces dependence on imported veterinary vaccines and strengthens Atmanirbhar Bharat in animal health.
- Enhances national biosecurity by enabling quicker containment of ASF outbreaks.
- Protects the livelihoods of small and marginal pig farmers, especially in the North-Eastern Region, where pig rearing is an important source of income.
- Supports the growth of India's livestock sector and improves food and nutritional security.
Challenges
- ASF spreads rapidly through infected pigs, contaminated feed, pork products, equipment, and soft ticks.
- The virus survives for long periods in the environment and processed pork products, making eradication difficult.
- Effective disease control still requires strict biosecurity, surveillance, rapid diagnosis, movement restrictions, and vaccination.
