The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has successfully developed India’s first indigenous African swine fever (ASF) vaccine for pigs. The ASF, caused by the African swine fever virus, is considered one of the most devastating trans-boundary animal diseases affecting domestic and wild pigs worldwide. According to the ICAR, this development marks a major leap in animal health.
The Director General of ICAR, M.L. Jat, stated that this breakthrough represents a new era in veterinary science, reflecting India’s growing scientific capability to develop world-class animal health solutions. He added that this achievement paves the way for a new generation of indigenously developed vaccines and innovative technologies that will strengthen livestock health, enhance disease preparedness, and support the nation’s food and biosecurity.
Scientists at ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (ICAR-NIHSAD), Bhopal, have developed the vaccine using a novel attenuated ASFV Genotype II virus. The vaccine has undergone comprehensive laboratory evaluation, including sterility, purity, safety, genetic stability, immunogenicity, protective efficacy, and virulence reversion studies, according to the Union Agriculture Ministry.
The vaccine is recommended for healthy pigs above eight weeks of age and is administered as a 1 millilitre (ml) intramuscular injection, followed by a booster dose 14 days after the primary vaccination. The Ministry stated that the indigenous vaccine is expected to substantially reduce pig mortality, minimize economic losses, and improve the livelihoods of pig farmers across the country.
The ASF has caused severe socio-economic losses to the global pig farming sector, with mortality rates approaching 100%. Since its first detection in India in 2020, ASF has spread to several States and Union Territories, resulting in massive pig mortality, disruption of pig production, restrictions on animal movement and trade, and significant livelihood losses for smallholder pig farmers, particularly in the Northeastern region.
The Ministry noted that in the absence of an effective treatment or a commercially approved vaccine in India, disease control has largely relied on rapid diagnosis, culling of infected animals, and strict biosecurity measures. The economic impact of ASF outbreaks in India has been significant, with estimated losses of approximately ₹276 crore in Assam and ₹982 crore in Mizoram.
