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Indian Immunologicals has launched Raksha-IBR, India’s first indigenous DIVA (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals) vaccine against Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR), a major breakthrough for the country’s dairy sector. The vaccine, developed in collaboration with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), was officially launched on September 27, 2025, in Anand, Gujarat, during NDDB’s diamond jubilee celebrations.
Key Developments and Technology
Raksha-IBR is a gE-deleted marker vaccine designed to combat IBR, a highly contagious disease caused by Bovine Herpes Virus-1 (BHV-1) that spreads through aerosols and bull semen. The disease leads to infertility, abortions, and reduced milk yield, posing a significant threat to India’s dairy industry, which is the largest milk producer globally. The DIVA technology is a critical advancement, allowing veterinarians and regulators to distinguish between infected and vaccinated animals through serological testing. This capability is essential for effective disease surveillance, control programs, and international trade certification, as it enables the identification of truly infected herds without interference from vaccine-induced antibodies.
The vaccine is an inactivated formulation containing more than 10810^8 TCID~50~ of inactivated BoHV-1.1 per dose, and field trials have demonstrated it to be safe and capable of inducing protective immunity for at least six months. The primary vaccination involves two doses, followed by biannual re-vaccination to maintain herd immunity, a strategy recommended for optimal disease control in India’s diverse farming systems.
Prevalence and Economic Impact
IBR is endemic across India, with a national average prevalence exceeding 32%, and some regions reporting positivity rates above 60%. This widespread infection has severe economic consequences, with experts estimating annual productivity losses of nearly ₹18,000 crore. The economic burden stems from multiple factors, including a 4% reduction in milk yield and milk solids in infected herds, increased replacement rates, and lower net profitability per cow. Studies from other countries, such as Ireland, show that BoHV-1 positive herds experience a net profit reduction of approximately €60 per cow per year, highlighting the global financial impact of the disease. In India, the loss of genetically superior bulls to IBR infection undermines years of breeding efforts, further amplifying the economic damage.
Expert Perspectives and Implications
Dr. K. Anand Kumar, Managing Director of Indian Immunologicals, emphasized the strategic importance of the vaccine, stating that all efforts to develop high-genetic-potential bulls are jeopardized if they become infected with IBR. The launch of Raksha-IBR is expected to benefit millions of dairy farmers by providing a sustainable, indigenous solution to a long-standing problem. The availability of a domestically produced vaccine also addresses previous challenges of high costs and limited access to imported alternatives.
The DIVA approach is not new to global veterinary medicine, having been successfully used in the eradication of diseases like pseudorabies and avian influenza. Its application in India for IBR control represents a significant step toward modern, science-based livestock management. The technology supports national disease eradication programs and enhances India’s ability to meet international animal health standards, which is crucial for expanding dairy exports.
Limitations and Future Outlook
While the vaccine is a major advancement, its success depends on widespread adoption and proper implementation. The need for biannual re-vaccination and robust farm biosecurity measures presents logistical and financial challenges, particularly for smallholder farmers. Furthermore, while the vaccine prevents disease and reduces transmission, it does not eliminate the virus from latently infected animals, which can reactivate and shed the virus under stress. Therefore, vaccination must be part of a comprehensive control strategy that includes testing, culling of persistently infected animals where feasible, and strict biosecurity protocols.
The development of Raksha-IBR also signals India’s growing capability in advanced veterinary biotechnology. This success follows the recent launch of Biolumpivaxin, India’s first indigenous DIVA vaccine for Lumpy Skin Disease, indicating a new era of self-reliance in animal health.
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