Vaccine against classical swine-flu developed

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals, Palode, has successfully developed a vaccine against classical swine flu, a nightmare for pig farmers in the country. Minister for Agriculture and Animal Husbandry K P Mohanan will dedicate this vaccine to the people at a function to be held on the institute premises on Wednesday.Classical swine fever or hog cholera is a viral disease that affects pigs of all ages. First reported from Kerala in 2006, the estimated mortality rate of this disease is total, 100 percent. The disease, generally known to spread through animal feed, vessels and even footwear, can also spread through air.The typical symptoms include high fever, secretions from the eye, swelling of eyelids, constipation initially and then diarrhoea. The bursting of blood capillaries beneath the skin also leaves light red rashes throughout the body, especially limbs, tail and the ear. Death can happen anytime between two weeks and three months, depending upon the severity of the infection.This is for the first time that such a vaccine against classical swine flu has ever been developed in South India. Until now, the vaccine was purchased from the Indian Veterinary Research Institute and transported by air, which made it a very expensive affair.Along with the dedication of the vaccine, the Minister will also flag off a refrigerated vehicle for the safe transport of vaccines, which will effectively prolong the number of days that the vaccine can be used.In connection with this, a workshop on ‘Immunisation strategies’ will also be held. The meeting will be attended by Koliyakode Krishnan Nair and Palode Ravi MLA, among other elected representatives.