For years, India’s dairy industry has struggled against Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), a viral infection that has wreaked havoc on cattle, causing mass fatalities, loss of milk production, and devastating economic losses. Now, a vaccine has emerged as a ray of hope. Developed by Biovet, a Bharat Biotech group company, Biolumpivaxin is an innovative vaccine which is set to change the game by offering not only protection but also the ability to differentiate between infected and vaccinated animals.  

With the approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), Biolumpivaxin is positioned as the world’s first Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals (DIVA) marker vaccine for LSD. This marks a crucial turning point in India’s journey toward self-reliance in veterinary healthcare and disease control.  

Lumpy Skin Disease is no ordinary cattle illness. The virus, which spreads through blood-feeding insects like mosquitoes and ticks, has been a nightmare for dairy farmers. It causes painful skin nodules, fever, swollen lymph nodes, reduced milk production, and severe discomfort for affected animals.   

The 2022 outbreak of LSD in India was one of the worst in history. States like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir saw morbidity rates as high as 80%, with case fatality rates reaching up to 67%. The crisis left farmers in distress, as over 200,000 cattle perished and millions more suffered severe health complications.   

The economic damage was catastrophic. The dairy sector lost over ?18,337.76 crores, with milk production dipping by 26%, directly impacting small-scale farmers who depend on livestock for their livelihoods. India, the world’s largest producer of milk, faced an unexpected shortage, causing ripple effects on food prices and supply chains.  

For years, controlling LSD outbreaks relied on imported vaccines, which were not always effective and often led to side effects like fever, local reactions, and temporary milk yield reductions a phenomenon known as the Neethling effect. The introduction of Biolumpivaxin changes this narrative.  

Unlike traditional vaccines, Biolumpivaxin is:  

Scientifically Advanced – Developed in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research  National Research Centre on Equines (ICARNRCE), Hisar, this vaccine is based on a Ranchi2019 strain, ensuring its effectiveness against the LSD virus.  

DIVA Enabled – This means it allows veterinary professionals to differentiate infected animals from vaccinated ones, enabling better tracking and control of the disease.  

Proven Safe and Effective – The vaccine underwent rigorous testing at ICARNRCE and the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), proving its safety across various groups, including pregnant and lactating cattle, breeding bulls, and young calves.  

Long-Lasting Protection – A single dose per year is sufficient to protect cattle and buffaloes against LSD.  

Highly Stable and Easy to Store – The freeze-dried vaccine remains stable at 28°C, ensuring long-term effectiveness.  

No Side Effects – Unlike vaccines that use the Neethling LSDV strain, Biolumpivaxin does not cause fever, skin reactions, or temporary milk loss in vaccinated animals.    

India has long relied on imported vaccines to combat livestock diseases, making the launch of Biolumpivaxin a major milestone in achieving veterinary self-sufficiency. Dr. Krishna Ella, Founder of Biovet, has emphasized that this vaccine is not just about disease prevention it is a strategic move toward an Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Biovet’s Mallur production facility is capable of producing 500 million doses annually, ensuring that there is no shortage of vaccines for cattle farmers across the country. This large-scale production will help India reduce its dependency on foreign vaccines, making treatment more affordable and accessible for dairy farmers.  

Vaccination is the only effective solution to control LSD outbreaks. With its cutting-edge technology, Biolumpivaxin offers a three-pronged approach to tackling the disease:  

1. Disease Prevention – By immunizing cattle against LSD, the vaccine will significantly reduce the risk of outbreaks.  
2. Surveillance & Monitoring – With the DIVA marker, epidemiologists can track the spread of LSD more accurately, ensuring better disease management strategies.  
3. Economic Recovery – Healthy livestock means higher milk yields, better productivity, and financial stability for dairy farmers.  

Biolumpivaxin is designed for cattle and buffaloes over three months old, with a recommended 1.0 mL dose administered subcutaneously (under the skin).  

 Immunity Development – Once vaccinated, the immune system starts developing defences against the LSD virus. Full protection is achieved within 34 weeks after administration.  
No Risk of Virus Spread – Unlike live vaccines that may pose a risk of reversion to virulence, Biolumpivaxin does not shed virus particles into milk, semen, or bodily fluids, making it completely safe.  
Easy Administration – The vaccine is available in multidose vials (25 to 100 doses per vial), making it convenient for mass vaccination drives.  

India’s dairy industry is the backbone of rural livelihoods, supporting millions of farmers across the country. The devastation caused by LSD over the past two years has been a harsh reminder of how vulnerable the sector is to transboundary animal diseases.  

With Biolumpivaxin, farmers now have a powerful shield to protect their cattle from future outbreaks. This vaccine is not just a medical breakthrough it is an economic and agricultural necessity.  

As India moves towards a disease-free livestock population, Biolumpivaxin will play a key role in ensuring the sustainability and growth of the dairy sector.  

The launch of Biolumpivaxin is more than just a scientific achievement it is a game-changer for India’s dairy industry. With its ability to prevent LSD, track infections, and ensure the safety of livestock, this vaccine ushers in a new era of veterinary medicine.  

For dairy farmers, this is the moment they have been waiting for a reliable, safe, and effective solution to protect their animals and secure their livelihoods. As Biovet prepares for commercial distribution, the widespread use of Biolumpivaxin will reshape India’s battle against LSD and set an example for disease control worldwide