---
title: "India Develops First Homegrown Vaccine to Combat Lethal African Swine Fever"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/india-develops-first-homegrown-vaccine-to-combat-lethal-african-swine-fever-lra74
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Technology
published: 2026-08-04T17:31:54.000Z
modified: 2026-08-04T20:01:26.643Z
language: en-IN
---

# India Develops First Homegrown Vaccine to Combat Lethal African Swine Fever

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research has engineered an indigenous vaccine for African Swine Fever, targeting a virus that often carries a 100% mortality rate. This breakthrough follows years of heavy economic losses in the Northeast and aims to stabilize the national pig farming sector.

## Key takeaways

- ICAR-NIHSAD scientists developed the vaccine using a novel attenuated ASFV Genotype II virus.
- The vaccination protocol involves a 1 ml primary dose followed by a booster 14 days later for pigs over eight weeks old.
- African Swine Fever outbreaks in Mizoram alone have resulted in estimated losses of ₹982 crore affecting 11,382 households.
- Prior to this vaccine, Indian disease control relied solely on culling, rapid diagnosis, and strict biosecurity measures.

## Breakthrough at NIHSAD Bhopal

Scientists at the ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal have engineered India's first domestic vaccine against African Swine Fever (ASF). This development utilizes a novel attenuated ASFV Genotype II virus. The Ministry of Agriculture confirmed that the vaccine successfully passed rigorous laboratory testing, covering metrics such as genetic stability, sterility, purity, and protective efficacy. M.L. Jat, Director General of ICAR, stated that this achievement represents a new phase for veterinary science in India, highlighting the nation's capacity to produce world-class health solutions for livestock.

## Clinical Application and Livestock Security

The newly developed protocol requires a 1 ml intramuscular injection for healthy pigs older than eight weeks, followed by a booster shot 14 days later. Previously, India lacked a commercially approved vaccine, forcing authorities to rely on culling and strict movement restrictions to manage outbreaks. This indigenous solution is designed to:
- Reduce high pig mortality rates that frequently reach 100%.
- Minimize the socio-economic devastation faced by smallholder farmers.
- Provide a sustainable preventive tool for the domestic pork industry.
- Enhance national food and biosecurity frameworks.

## Quantifying the Economic Toll

Since ASF first appeared in India in 2020, the virus has caused widespread disruption. The financial consequences have been particularly severe in the Northeastern states. In Assam, outbreaks during 2020 and 2021 resulted in losses estimated at ₹276 crore due to animal deaths and mandatory culling. Meanwhile, in Mizoram, the disease has impacted over 11,382 households up to 2025, with financial damages reaching approximately ₹982 crore. By introducing an effective vaccine, the government aims to curb these escalating losses and secure the livelihoods of rural pig farmers.

Source: The Hindu — Sci-Tech

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/india-develops-first-homegrown-vaccine-to-combat-lethal-african-swine-fever-lra74
Reported from: The Hindu — Sci-Tech