ICAR develops indigenous vaccine for African swine fever

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has announced the successful development of India's first indigenous vaccine against African swine fever (ASF). This milestone comes amid rising concerns over the deadly viral disease, which has wreaked havoc on pig populations across the country since its first detection in 2020. The vaccine was developed by scientists at the ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (ICAR-NIHSAD) in Bhopal, marking a significant advancement in veterinary science and animal health management. The African swine fever virus, responsible for ASF, is among the most severe transboundary animal diseases globally, with mortality rates often approaching 100%. Since its emergence in India, the disease has spread to multiple states and union territories, causing widespread pig deaths, disrupting production, restricting animal movement and trade, and inflicting substantial economic and social losses on smallholder farmers, especially in the northeastern regions. According to official reports, the initial outbreaks in Assam during 2020 and 2021 led to an estimated loss of around ₹276 crore due to pig mortality and culling. In Mizoram, ASF outbreaks have reportedly impacted over 11,382 households by 2025, resulting in an estimated financial loss of approximately ₹982 crore. Until now, disease control in India has primarily relied on rapid diagnostic testing, culling of infected animals, and stringent biosecurity protocols, as there has been no effective treatment or commercially available vaccine. The newly developed vaccine uses a novel attenuated "ASFV Genotype II virus," which has undergone extensive laboratory evaluations to ensure its safety, effectiveness, and genetic stability. These tests included assessments of sterility, purity, immunogenicity, protective efficacy, and the potential for virulence reversion. The Union Agriculture Ministry confirmed these findings and highlighted the importance of this breakthrough in strengthening national animal health security. The vaccine is designed for administration to healthy pigs aged eight weeks and older, requiring a 1-millilitre intramuscular injection followed by a booster dose 14 days later. It is anticipated to play a crucial role in reducing pig mortality, minimizing economic losses, and improving the livelihoods of pig farmers nationwide. The Ministry emphasized that the introduction of this indigenous vaccine represents a major step forward in enhancing disease preparedness and supporting the long-term sustainability of the pig farming sector. Dr. M.L. Jat, Director General of ICAR, hailed the development as a "major leap" in animal health research, underscoring India's increasing capacity to create world-class solutions in veterinary science. He noted that the vaccine not only addresses immediate challenges posed by ASF but also sets the stage for future innovations in animal health technology. This achievement aligns with broader efforts to bolster India's food and biosecurity systems through indigenous scientific advancements. As the vaccine moves closer to commercial approval and deployment, officials expect it to provide much-needed relief to the pig farming community, particularly in regions heavily affected by ASF outbreaks. With continued monitoring and implementation, the vaccine could help mitigate the socioeconomic impacts of the disease while contributing to the overall resilience of India's agricultural sector.