Scientists of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) have succeeded in developing an indigenous vaccine against bird flu (H5N1 virus).

This feat has been achieved by scientists working at the Bhopal-based High Security Animal Disease Laboratory (HSADL) in a record time of four months under a Rs 8-crore project.

ICAR Director-General Mangala Rai described this as a big step forward in tackling the highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly called the bird flu.

“Viral disease such as avian influenza does not recognise boundaries. The development of an indigenous vaccine would go a long way in tackling it effectively,” he said. Since the disease could possibly recur, further research would focus on developing another type of vaccine, he added. via Business Standard

It will significantly bring down the cost of import of TamiFlu and hopefully will help other South-Asian nations to effectively combat bird flu.