ivri-develops-breakthrough-vaccine-to-combat-poultry-disease

 In a significant stride towards safeguarding the poultry industry, the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) announced on Wednesday the development of a pioneering vaccine to combat infectious bursal disease in chickens.

 

The vaccine, crafted through recombinant DNA technology, marks a groundbreaking advancement in veterinary sciences within the country. Expected to hit the market imminently, it holds promise for poultry farmers grappling with substantial losses due to the feared disease.

 

Infectious bursal disease, also known as Gumboro disease, stems from a viral infection that compromises chickens' immune systems, leaving them vulnerable to further ailments. Dr. Sohini Dey, the lead researcher behind the vaccine project, emphasized its significance, noting that even a single infected bird can transmit the contagion throughout an entire flock, rendering it economically unviable for farmers.

 

Dr. Dey elucidated, "The biggest drawback of the infection is that it leaves the infected bird with a compromised immune system. In such conditions, if the bird gets infected by any other disease, no other vaccine has any effect on that bird."

 

The vaccine, dubbed SVP – Gumboro Vac, offers comprehensive protection from the disease, even when administered to day-old chicks. This feature ensures maximum immunity against infection, thereby potentially revolutionizing poultry farming practices.

 

Dr. Triveni Dutt, Director of IVRI, hailed the breakthrough as a monumental achievement for the institute. "This is a major achievement for the institute. We are hopeful that the vaccine will prove to be a game-changer in poultry farming and make the vocation more profitable for our farmers," he stated.

 

The development of the vaccine was propelled by funding from the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, as part of the Make in India initiative. IVRI has transferred the vaccine technology to Hester Biosciences Ltd., a leading private firm specializing in poultry vaccine manufacturing, marking a crucial step towards its widespread availability and adoption.

 

With the introduction of this groundbreaking vaccine, the Indian poultry industry is poised to mitigate the economic repercussions of infectious bursal disease, fostering resilience and sustainability within the sector.