The Department of Veterinary Epidemiological Preventive Medicine of CCS Haryana Agricultural University has developed an anti Theileriosis vaccine and approached the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) for its commercialization. NRDC is now scouting for potential industry partners to upscale the research findings and take it for production. The department of the University has transferred the technology know-how of the vaccine production to NRDC.

Theileriosis is a serious disease of affecting the bovine population due to the infection by the protozoa Theileria parva causing East Coast Fever (ECF) or Theileria annulata.

Exotic breeds of cattle, their cross breeds and younger indigenous calves are highly susceptible to bovine topical Theileriosis which is a dreadful tick transmitted disease in cattle. The disease adversely affects the working capacity of the bulls, breeding ability of the bull and the milk production in cows. This causes enormous cattle losses. Apart from direct losses, health costs are also incurred on treatment of sick animals.

Department of Veterinary Epidemiological Preventive Medicine has developed a vaccine for the Theileriosis. This vaccine is safe for all age groups of cattle which include new born and pregnant cows as well as indigenous calves. The vaccine will now protect the vaccinated animal from topical Theileriosis and can prevent the animal from severe tick challenge.

According to the Department of Veterinary Epidemiological Preventive Medicine, the vaccine which underwent exhaustive studies on animals has no side reactions and can safely be used even in a few days old calves as well as in the pregnant cows without any adverse effects. This is cost effective as it is based on indigenous ingredients.

NRDC is now on the look out for industry partners to take the product forward, HK Phani Kumar, business development manager, National Research Development Corporation told Pharmabiz.

The size of the veterinary drug market in India is estimated at Rs. 3,500 crore and registering a growth rate of 8 percent. Among the leading players in the space are Vetcare, Pfizer, Virbac, Wockhardt and Zydus in India in the private sector. There are research labs in the government sector which are referred to as the Veterinary Biological Institutes which are developing vaccines for specific use. In Karnataka, the Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences in Bangalore is known for its range of vaccine for rinderpest, swine fever to name a few. Another company is the Hyderabad-based Indian Immunologicals Ltd (IIL), a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Dairy Development Board which is known for arrange of vaccines notable being the rabies.