Indian Immunologicals Ltd. (IIL), a subsidiary of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), has launched Raksha-IBR, India’s first indigenously developed glycoprotein E (gE) deleted DIVA marker vaccine against Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR).

About Raksha-IBR Vaccine

• Type: gE deleted DIVA (Differentiation of Infected from Vaccinated Animals) marker vaccine.
• Function: Helps differentiate infected from vaccinated animals (DIVA approach).

• Working Mechanism: 
• The deletion of the gE gene allows for a Differentiation of Infected from Vaccinated Animals i.e DIVAApproach. 
  • Vaccinated animals will not produce antibodies against gE, while animals naturally infected with the wild-type virus will.
• Diagnostic tests can then differentiate between vaccinated and naturally infected animals, which is crucial for disease eradication programs.

Comparative table between DIVA marker vaccines and Traditional vaccines

Significance for Dairy Sector

• Largest Milk Producer: India leads globally in milk production; protecting cattle health is vital for sustaining growth.
• Productivity Gains: Preventing IBR will improve fertility rates, milk yield, and economic returns for farmers.
• Biosecurity Support: Enables systematic vaccination campaigns, aiding in better disease management and herd health.
• Self-Reliance: Reduces dependence on imported vaccines, strengthening India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in animal health.

What is Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) ? 

• Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) is a highly contagious viral disease of cattle caused by Bovine Herpes Virus-1 (BHV-1)
• It primarily affects the respiratory tract, causing fever, nasal discharge, coughing, and conjunctivitis.
• Transmission: Transmission occurs through aerosols, direct contact, and infected semen.
• Symptoms: Respiratory form (fever, conjunctivitis, rhinitis, tracheitis, pneumonia in feedlots) and Venereal form (pustular lesions in bull prepuce/penis and cow vulva/vagina, affecting reproduction). Some strains also cause abortion.
• Impacts: It also leads to reproductive disorders such as infertility, abortions, and reduced milk production.
• Treatment: No specific treatment; prevention through vaccination and biosecurity is crucial.
• Diagnosis: Serology, virus isolation, and semen certification by real-time PCR for viral DNA.

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