Research Milestones

• Indirect ELISA Kit for Avian Influenza Antibody detection.
• Indirect ELISA Kit for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) Antibody detection.
• Lateral Flow Test for rapid detection of H5 Avian Influenza virus antigen in poultry.
• Multiplex RTqPCR kit for simultaneous Avian Influenza A typing and H5 and H9 subtyping.
• Development of bilingual mobile app titled “Bird flu se Suraksha” in Hindi and English.
• Prevented entry of diseases like RHD in 2001, Avian Influenza H7N7 in smuggled pigeons in 2001 and MCF and BVDV (Exotic strain) in cattle imported from Australia that were detected and checked at point of entry in the country in year 2003.
• In 2006, when bird flu (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza entered in India) caused unprecedented mortality in poultry in Maharashtra and then started spreading in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, one cannot imagine what would have happened if the disease was not controlled quickly. The catastrophe could be averted only after the quick diagnosis by NIHSAD (formerly HSADL).
• During the last 15 years of functioning NIHSAD has confirmed the existence of Avian influenza, Swine Influenza, Bovine immunodeficiency virus, Bovine virus diarrhea, Border disease, Malignant catarrhal fever, Porcine Circovirus, Porcine Parvovirus, Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) and Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever.
• Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the viruses isolated from poultry in India belonged to two major genetic clades; clade 2.2 (isolated during 2006 to 2010) and clade 2.3.2.1(isolated during 2011-13). Within clade 2.2, the H5N1 viruses formed four distinct groups; 2006 and 2007 isolates formed two independent groups. The 2006 Indian isolates shared grouping with 2006 swan isolates from Iran and Italy. The 2007 isolates of Manipur grouped closely with a guinea fowl isolate from China. During 2008-2010, two independent introductions of the H5N1 virus have been detected; one from Bangladesh probably through land-based poultry and another thorough migratory bird. The viruses isolated during 2011- 2013 from India belonged to clade 2.3.2.1, and grouped closely with isolates from Bangladesh and Bhutan. All the viruses were highly pathogenic to poultry; However, species specific variation within H5N1 viruses of both the clades have been found in mice and ducks.
• The H5N1 HPAI virus was isolated from other species including ducks [West Bengal and Assam (2008), Tripura (2008 and 2011), Odisha (2012)], Crows [Jharkhand (2011), Bihar (2012), Maharashtra (2012), Odisha (2012, 2014); Assam (2008)], Goose [Tripura (2008)] and Turkeys [Karnataka (2012)].
• Monoclonal antibodies against NS1and NP protein of avian influenza has been developed and characterized that are most useful for diagnostic purpose.
• Designing and validation of siRNAs (small interfering RNAs) against PB2, PB1, PA, NP and M2 gene inhibiting H5N1 virus (This research is helpful for deciding antiviral therapy).
• The study on “Environmental persistence of AI virus” gave an insight into the various factors involved in the persistence of avian influenza virus in feces, water and environment, on the basis of which recommendations have been framed regarding the temperature conditions for storage and dispatch of avian influenza samples and control of avian influenza infection in the poultry farms and laboratories.
• During 2003, H9N2 strains of Avian Influenza (low pathogenic-LPAI) were diagnosed in poultry from outbreaks in northern India. Since then, several H9N2 isolations have proved that this LPAIV is widespread in India. Low pathogenic H9N2 virus was demonstrated in the brain of chicken naturally infected with the virus for the first time.
• Surveillance of H1N1 influenza virus (swine flu) has indicated its presence in pig population in India. Two viruses (H1N1) have been isolated and characterized.
• Presently, the development of a DIVA-marker (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals) vaccine against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Lab-generated H5N2) ready for validation) is in progress under the National Fellow project at NIHSAD.
• During 2006 outbreak, as an emergency measure, AIV vaccine was developed and tested. However, Govt of India later decided not to adopt vaccination policy in the country.
• Developed Mab based ELISA for diagnosis of BVDV and BIV, and recombinant nucleocapsid protein based indirect ELISA diagnosis of PRRS.
• BVDV-1b was isolated from cattle for the first time in India. Phylogenetic analysis established prevalence of BVDV 1b & 1c subtype in Indian buffalo and close relationship between cattle and buffalo BVDV-1b viruses.
• Genetic and antigenic characterization demonstrated the first occurrence of BVDV-2 subtype b in sheep providing the evidence that this subtype can also occur in species other than cattle.
• For the first time in the world BVDV-1 was identified in yaks of Himalayan region.
• Recent surveillance of samples from Jammu area confirmed Border disease infection in small ruminants, first time reported from India.
• A TaqMan based one-step real time RT-PCR was developed and validated for simultaneous detection and genetic typing of BVDV-1, BVDV-2 and BDV in clinical samples.
• Detection of CpHV in ruminant population of India for the first time.
• BVDV-3 (HoBi-like) was identified in Indian cattle for the first time and the phylogenetic analysis revealed circulation of two novel and highly divergent lineages of BVDV-3 viruses in India.