Background:
Peste-des-Petits Ruminants (PPR) and sheeppox are highly contagious viral diseases that primarily affect small ruminants, including sheep, causing severe morbidity and mortality and resulting in economic losses to farmers through both direct and indirect means. Prevention primarily relies on vaccination in sheep. In 2010, the Government of India initiated the PPR Control Programme (PPR-CP), which involves intensive vaccination of susceptible animal populations. The currently available monovalent PPR and sheeppox vaccines offer protection for 3-4 years, covering the economic lifespan of the animals, with just a single injection. Combining vaccinations for both diseases (PPR and sheeppox) into a single shot would reduce costs, time, and labor. Previous attempts to develop a combined PPR-SPP vaccine (Chaudhary et al., 2009) utilized a foreign strain of the sheeppox virus (SPPV vaccine strain RF), which is unsuitable for control programs. This study focuses on the development and evaluation of a combined vaccine using an indigenous strain of the sheeppox virus (Srinagar 38/00) along with the PPR vaccine, specifically tailored for sheep:
Technology Details:
To address the aforementioned challenges, we have created and revalidated a combined vaccine using attenuated live PPR and sheeppox strains cultured in Vero cells (Indigenous strain), aimed at safeguarding sheep. The following solutions are provided:
a. Our vaccine is anticipated to significantly reduce the incidence of these diseases, ultimately enhancing sheep productivity and aiding in the gradual control of these ailments in India:
b. The combined vaccine, developed by IVRI, offers an economical and effective solution for controlling infections with just a single shot of vaccination:
c. Vaccination is poised to contribute to improved sheep productivity and health over time, thereby enhancing the livelihoods of impoverished farmers in India:
d. This vaccine is projected to confer lifelong immunity in vaccinated animals, ensuring sustained protection against PPR and sheeppox.