Chennai :

The Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS) on Wednesday released a vaccine for classical swine fever, a contagious viral disease affecting pigs.

The vaccine was released by university officials at an international conference on the ‘Emerging and Transboundary Diseases of Global Importance.’ Dr V Purushothaman, director, Centre for Animal Health Studies at TANUVAS, said classical swine fever should not be confused with swine flu that affected humans.

The classical swine fever is prevalent in Tamil Nadu and northeast parts of the country. It causes death of pigs. “The spread of this disease results in a loss of Rs 10 crore annually in the country,” Dr Purushothaman said.

Veterinarians in India had been administering the crystal violet vaccine to curb the disease in pigs earlier. But the vaccine was discontinued a few years ago because of some side effects. “The new vaccine has been proved safe and potent without side effects,” Dr Purushothaman said.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Chennai> Side Effects / by M Ramya / July 17th, 2013