The Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals (IAH&VB) part of the Karnataka Animal Veterinary and Fishery Science University, Bidar has commenced manufacturing of PPR (Peste des Petits Ruminant) vaccine for sheep and goat. The PPR is a fast spreading contagious viral disease affecting sheep and goats. The causative agent is morbilli virus and is closely related to the rinderpest virus with high morbidity and mortality rates.

IAH&VB was given the production order based on its capability to produce the vaccines in large quantities. The technology transfer and funding came through from the Union Government. Two institutes Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Mukteswar in Uttaranchal and TANUVAS (Tamil Nadu University of Veterinary Animal Sciences were engaged in the research of the vaccine.

The susceptibility to infection rises with age and the disease is rapidly fatal among young animals. The incubation period is between 4-6 days and may range between 3 to 10 days. Acute clinical signs include sudden onset of fever, and nasal discharge. The main source of infection is nasal exudates and coughed up droplets among animals living in close contact.

"We are now engaged in supplying large number of doses not only in Karnataka but also to the neighbouring states, Dr. C Renukaprasad, director, Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals told Pharmabiz.

Now the IAH&VB is gearing up to initiate research initiatives in vaccine developments for swine fever in pigs, goat pox for goats and Blue tongue disease in sheep. The research will span over a period of around two years.

The research funding will be from the Central or the State government. The research will ensure control of these diseases which is a growing concern among the animals, stated Dr. Renukaprasad.

The Institute which is engaged in the research and development of veterinary biologicals also focuses on diagnostic antigens. Its expertise also covers vaccines for rabies, poultry, black quarter vaccine (sheep). There is a cell culture facility supported these developments.

With a view of augment its efficiency in the area of veterinary biologicals, the IAH&VB commissioned its Fermentation Technology, a state-of-the-art 1,000 litre capacity facility in early 2007.

The Bangalore facility is the regional campus of the newly formed Karnataka Animal Veterinary and Fishery Science University, Bidar. The Union government provided the bio-security containment laboratory at its diagnostic centre. It also been recognized by the department of Animal Husbandry and Dairy, government of India as the Referral Disease Diagnostic Lab for the southern region.

In the State Budget 2007-08, the Karnataka government has also approved the setting up of the Institute of Toxicology within the IAH&VB.