Research Projects

orth Himalayan states (Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himanchal Pradesh) are endowed with good breeds of sheep, goats, and cattle. Bio-diversity of ‘indigenous breeds’ is threatened due to endemicity production diseases (Paratuberculosis, Brucellosis & Foot rot) leading to high morbidity and mortalities in high producing breeds reared in extreme weather conditions. ParaTB is caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis. Brucellosis leads to abortion in late gestation and sterility in males. Vaccine helps to enhance productivity and reduce losses and biodiversity. Foot rot is major disease infecting sheep in temperate climate leading to production losses. Project aims to estimate sero-prevalence and molecular characterization of the isolates. Vaccination of selected farms will evaluate impact of calfhood vaccination using S19 and RB51 or Rev1. Project proposes ‘management and control of three major livestock diseases using indigenous diagnostic and vaccine technologies.

Successfully isolated and characterized novel Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis(MAP)‘Indian Bison type’ strain 12(1-6985) from a chronic case of buffalo suffering from diarrhoea and weakness. Developed ‘indigenous buffalo-based vaccine’ using novel MAP strain 12(1-6985);This ‘new indigenous vaccine’ will be used in our future vaccine studies on control of MAP infection in bovines (cows and buffaloes),replacing the previous‘ indigenous goat-based vaccine usingS5 strain of goat origin. Similarly, ‘indigenous ELISA kit’ using buffalo-derived MAP strain has been developed to improve the specificity and sensitivity in diagnosis of bovine Johne’s disease(BJD). Completed genome sequencing of MAP strain 12(1-6985, first fully sequenced MAP strain from clinically affected buffalo in India. Established‘ repository’ of MAP isolates cultured from domestic and wild ruminants for future research use. Existing indigenous vaccine and diagnostic ELISA kit, shared with collaborating partner institutions and other institutions (mainly government sector)for field validation and evaluation. Trained human resource in diagnosis of MAP Infection using different antigen and antibody based tests. Successfully cultured Dichelobacter nodosus under aerobic condition with reducing agents without Carbon dioxide. Developed broth culture-based serogroup B specific whole cell footrot vaccine with Montanide ISA 61 VG adjuvant. Technology was transferred to the Sheep Husbandry Department of UT of J & K for mass productionand field use. Serogroup B specific fimbriae-based subunit and recombinant vaccine with Montanide ISA 61 VG adjuvant, developed. Developed a non-antibiotic-based ointment for treatment virulent footrot for immediate relief.