Science and technology ยท GS3
Indigenous African swine fever vaccine
One line
ICAR developed an indigenous live-attenuated African swine fever vaccine for animal-health and biosecurity use.
Summary
African swine fever causes severe losses in pigs and can disrupt rural livelihoods and meat supply chains. Vaccine deployment requires safety, efficacy, manufacturing quality, surveillance, and clear use protocols.
PYQ pattern
UPSC often tests the institution, legal basis, mechanism, and implementation limits behind this issue. Use the official UPSC question-paper archive.
Core notes
- African swine fever is a viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs.
- It is not considered a human disease.
- A live-attenuated vaccine uses a weakened form of the pathogen to induce immunity.
Prelims lens
- Animal vaccination and movement controls can complement each other.
- DIVA capability helps distinguish infected from vaccinated animals when available.
- Separate the announcement from measured outcomes.
MCQ 1
Consider the following statements:
- Animal vaccination and movement controls can complement each other.
- African swine fever is a common human respiratory disease.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A. 1 only
- B. 2 only
- C. Both 1 and 2
- D. Neither 1 nor 2
Reveal answerHide answer
A
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 makes a broader claim that the law, institution, or evidence does not support.
MCQ 2
A live-attenuated vaccine contains:
- A. A weakened form of the pathogen
- B. Only an antibiotic
- C. No biological material
- D. A mineral fertiliser
Reveal answerHide answer
A
A weakened form of the pathogen is the correct relationship for this topic.
Mains
Question, 10 marks, 150 words: What safeguards are needed before large-scale use of a live-attenuated animal vaccine?
Approach:
- Define the mechanism and its institutional setting.
- Explain the current significance.
- Examine implementation limits and distributional effects.
- Suggest specific safeguards and measurable outcomes.