CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -The Scientists at Indian Veterinary Research Institute (ICAR -IVRI), an institute of Indian Council of Agricultural Research, have recently developed a low-cost vaccine for the classical swine fever. Swine fever is a disease associated with high mortality and illness in pigs.

Detailed explanation-2: -There are two types of CSF vaccine: a modified live virus vaccine and a killed virus marker vaccine. The modified live vaccine has been successfully used in countries where CSF is endemic, as well as in feral swine.

Detailed explanation-3: -CSF is found in Central and South America, Europe, and Asia and parts of Africa. North America, Australia and New Zealand are currently free of the disease. In the 1990’s large CSF outbreaks occurred in The Netherlands (1997), Germany (1993-2000), Belgium (1990, 1993, 1994) and Italy (1995, 1996, 1997).

Detailed explanation-4: -Costing around less than Rs 2/- per dose as against Rs. 15 to Rs. 25/- of Lapinized CSF Vaccine, the high titre vaccine would be the most economical CSF Cell Culture Vaccine. The vaccine has been extensively tested for safety and potency.

Detailed explanation-5: -Classical swine fever is a highly contagious viral disease of pigs. There have been several outbreaks in Australia that have been eradicated in the past with no outbreaks since 1961. Australia is internationally recognised to be free of classical swine fever.