ICAR Develops Indigenous African Swine Fever Vaccine

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) announced India’s first indigenous African Swine Fever (ASF) vaccine for pigs on 4 August 2026. The vaccine was developed at the ICAR–National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (ICAR-NIHSAD) in Bhopal and was dedicated to the nation during the 98th ICAR Foundation Day on 16 July 2026 in New Delhi.

African Swine Fever and Animal Health

African Swine Fever is a highly contagious viral disease of domestic pigs and wild suids. The disease is caused by African swine fever virus (ASFV), a large double-stranded DNA virus in the family Asfarviridae. ASF does not infect humans, but it causes severe mortality in pigs and major losses in the piggery sector. ASF has no widely used commercial cure, and control measures usually depend on biosecurity, movement control, culling, and surveillance. The disease has affected pig populations in several parts of Asia, Europe, and Africa.

Vaccine Design and Laboratory Features

The Indian vaccine is a MA-104 cell line-based live attenuated ASF vaccine. It uses a novel attenuated ASFV Genotype II virus, which is one of the major genotypes associated with outbreaks in Asia and Europe. The vaccine underwent laboratory evaluation for sterility, purity, safety, genetic stability, immunogenicity, protective efficacy, and virulence reversion. It was also field-validated with the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying. The vaccine is recommended for healthy pigs above eight weeks of age. It is administered as a 1 ml intramuscular injection, followed by a booster dose after 14 days.

Economic Losses and Livestock Biosecurity

ASF has caused economic losses in India, including an estimated ₹276 crore in Assam during 2020–2021 and about ₹982 crore in Mizoram up to 2025. The losses affected more than 11,382 households in Mizoram. Livestock biosecurity refers to measures used to prevent the entry and spread of infectious diseases in animals. In India, pig farming is concentrated in several north-eastern states, where ASF has affected household income and local meat supply chains.

Important Facts for Exams

• African Swine Fever virus belongs to the family Asfarviridae.
• ASF is a disease of pigs and wild suids, and it does not infect humans.
• ICAR-NIHSAD is located in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
• Live attenuated vaccines use weakened pathogens to trigger immunity.

Availability and Regulatory Steps

The vaccine is expected to reach the market after auction, patenting, and manufacturing by a pharmaceutical company. The expected timeline for market availability is about six months.