Raksha-IBR promises a safer, more productive future for India’s dairy farmers by tackling a disease that threatens milk production and livelihoods.

The Indian dairy industry took a major step forward this week with the launch of the country’s first indigenously developed vaccine against infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), a disease that affects cattle by causing infertility, abortions, and a drop in milk production.

Developed by Indian Immunologicals Ltd. (IIL) in partnership with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), the vaccine—named Raksha-IBR—is based on glycoprotein E (gE) deleted DIVA marker technology. This innovation not only protects cattle but also allows veterinarians to distinguish between naturally infected and vaccinated animals, a crucial advantage in controlling outbreaks.

The launch was marked in Anand, Gujarat, during NDDB’s diamond jubilee celebrations, with senior leaders including Narendra Pal Gangwar, Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, NDDB Chairman Meenesh C. Shah, and IIL Managing Director Dr. K. Anand Kumar in attendance.

IBR, caused by Bovine Herpes Virus (BHV-1), is widespread in India, with infection rates exceeding 32% and annual economic losses estimated at nearly ₹18,000 crore. The virus spreads through aerosols and semen, silently undermining years of effort to breed superior dairy cattle. 

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Kumar said the vaccine was the result of years of dedicated research and a milestone for India’s dairy sector. “For a country that leads the world in milk production, protecting our animals from IBR is not just about science—it’s about securing livelihoods and safeguarding the future of millions of farmers,” he said.