ICAR Develops Indigenous Vaccine Against African Swine Fever to Protect Pig Farming

August 4, 2026

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has announced the development of an indigenously created live attenuated vaccine against African Swine Fever (ASF). Designed to combat a viral disease that has caused severe pig mortality across multiple Indian States and Union Territories, the breakthrough is expected to mitigate economic losses and bolster national livestock biosecurity.

What Happened

ICAR developed the MA-104 Cell Line-Based Live Attenuated African Swine Fever Vaccine at its National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal. The vaccine utilizes a novel attenuated ASFV Genotype II virus featuring unique gene deletions within the MA-104 cell line.

Before reaching the field validation phase, the vaccine underwent extensive laboratory evaluations covering safety, purity, sterility, genetic stability, immunogenicity, protective efficacy, and virulence reversion. ICAR subsequently completed field validation trials in collaboration with the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) to confirm its safety and performance under field conditions.

Key Highlights

Indigenous Development: Created at NIHSAD, Bhopal, using a novel attenuated ASFV Genotype II virus with specific gene deletions.
Comprehensive Testing: Verified through laboratory trials for safety, genetic stability, protective efficacy, and virulence reversion.
Field Validation: Evaluated in field conditions in partnership with the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
Addressing Fatal Outbreaks: Aimed at controlling a disease that carries mortality rates approaching 100 percent in domestic and wild pigs.
Significant Past Losses: Outbreaks in Assam during 2020 and 2021 resulted in estimated losses of ₹276 crore, while Mizoram incurred losses of about ₹982 crore impacting over 11,382 households through 2025.

Why This Matters

African Swine Fever is among the most devastating trans-boundary animal diseases globally, marked by high fever, severe haemorrhages, and near-total mortality rates. Since its first detection in India in 2020, ASF has spread across several regions, disrupting pig production, restricting movement and trade, and imposing severe financial hardship on smallholder pig farmers, particularly in the North-Eastern region.

Previously, India lacked both a commercially approved vaccine and an effective therapeutic treatment. Outbreak management relied entirely on rapid testing, culling infected herds, and enforcing biosecurity protocols. M L Jat, Director General of ICAR, stated that this achievement marks a new era in veterinary science, highlighting India’s growing scientific capability to create world-class animal health solutions that strengthen disease preparedness and food biosecurity.

What to Watch Next

Following successful field validation with the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, future announcements will detail the next phases for commercial approval and distribution strategies across affected regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is African Swine Fever?

African Swine Fever (ASF) is a severe viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs, characterized by high fever, haemorrhages, and mortality rates that can reach up to 100 percent.

Where was the new ASF vaccine developed?

The vaccine was developed by ICAR at the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) located in Bhopal.

How was African Swine Fever controlled in India prior to this vaccine?

Without an approved vaccine or treatment, control measures were limited to quick diagnosis, culling infected animals, and enforcing strict biosecurity restrictions.

Source: Based on reporting by The Hindu BusinessLine.