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Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR)

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October 03, 2025

Prelims: Current events of national and international importance

Why in news?

India’s first indigenously developed vaccine against infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) was launched recently.

  • IBR is a highly contagious and infectious viral disease that affects cattle of all ages.
  • Caused by – Bovine Herpes Virus (BHV-1)
  • It is endemic in India.
  • Characterized by – Inflammation of the upper respiratory tract and disease of the reproductive tract.
  • Clinical signs are influenced by the age of the animal, the dose of virus, route of infection and whether other agents are also present.
  • Transmission – It spreads through direct contact between infected and susceptible animals, through air (aerosols), and via humans and contaminated equipment, water, or semen.
  • Symptoms – Respiratory ones, conjunctivitis, occasional coughing, poor milk yield, lose their appetite, high fever (41-42°C) with purulent ocular and nasal discharges.
  • Mortality rate – During an outbreak of IBR, the morbidity rate may be 100% but the mortality rate is generally less than 2%. 
  • Diagnosis of IBR – Serology (blood samples) or the real-time PCR method.
  • Treatment – There is no specific treatment for the virus itself, but antibiotics can be used to manage secondary bacterial infections that often accompany IBR.
  • Control of IBR – By Selective culling, Systematic vaccination against the target species,  Biosecurity, and Monitoring.
  • Vaccination – Modified-live and inactivated vaccines are available and are a key part of IBR control programs.

So far, In India there is no specific vaccine and treatment available against this disease.

  • Impacts – Infertility, abortions and lower milk productivity which leads to economic loss in the cattle industry.

Quick Fact

Raksha-IBR Vaccine

  • Developed by – Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL)
  • Launched - In collaboration with National Dairy Development Board
  • Treats  – Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) in cattle
  • 1st indigenously developed glycoprotein E (gE) deleted DIVA (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals) marker vaccine.

References

  1. The Hindu | India’s first gE deleted DIVA marker vaccine
  2. MSD Animal Health | Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR)
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