EVM formulations for approximately 30 common bovine ailments are being propagated by NDDB. This approach utilizes ingredients commonly available in farmers’ households, making it extremely cost-effective and accessible even in remote areas. From over 1 million cases documented, an overall cure rate exceeding 80% has been recorded. NDDB also supports milk unions and producer companies to set up EVM plants to manufacture ready-to-use formulations which has benefited around 8 lakh farmers till date. Milk unions implementing EVM have reported dramatic reductions in antibiotic purchases – 44% in one milk union in Gujarat (from Rs. 188.6 lakhs in 2017-28 to Rs. 89 lakhs in 2023-24) and, up to 70% reduction in antibiotic doses purchased in other milk unions in Karnataka and Maharashtra. NDDB also provides regular reports on AMR patterns to help rationalize antibiotic use. The reductions in antibiotic use have corresponded with decreases in AMR patterns by up to 18%.
To reduce the usage of antibiotics and help farmers to manage the common bovine ailments with cost effective herbal formulations, NDDB is supporting cooperatives to set up EVM production plants. Till date, 4 plants have been established in Gujarat and Maharashtra, distributing more than 80 lakh ready-to-use EVM formulations in their milk shed areas.
EVM production plant
EVM production plant
NDDB has a state-of-the-art ISO 9001 certified & ISO 17025 accredited laboratory focusing on applied research in the areas of efficient testing and sampling techniques, development of point of need tests (PONT) for various bovine diseases, disease investigation, AMR surveillance, vaccine candidate identification etc. The R&D laboratory, Hyderabad has provided very cost-effective solutions like pooled sample testing, paper-based sampling matrices that eliminates costly cold chain and shipping requirements, providing vaccine strains for a polyvalent mastitis vaccine and so on.
Major Activities
- Development of cost-effective tests: Lab has focused its efforts in development of affordable and efficient disease tests through development of multiplex tests, pooled sample testing (PST) and alternative system for sample collection.
- Development of diagnostic assays: The laboratory has evaluated and adopted tests to detect major bovine diseases in cattle and development of point of need tests.
- Disease Monitoring, Surveillance and Prevalence: The laboratory lends disease screening and surveillance support for disease control projects being implemented by NDDB.
- Outbreak Investigation: Provides laboratory diagnosis for investigation of outbreak in organized herds and determination of aetiology (cause) and aids in development of prophylaxis (prevention) and control.
- Establishing expertise - Capacity Building, Collaboration and Networking: The laboratory has developed expertise of international standards for Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) research and diagnosis in the country through WOAH twinning project.
- Harmonization of diagnosis: The lab aims to develop systems and tools required for harmonizing laboratory diagnosis of bovine diseases.
Achievements
- National Referral laboratory for NDP-1: Was recognised and designated national referral lab for screening of bovine diseases under NDP-1 by DAHD, Govt of India.
- Recognised Diagnostic Lab for testing of imported animal/animal products: DAHD, Govt. of India has recognized the lab for diseases prevalent in India.
- Support to NDP-1 and RGM: Has processed more than 2.0 lakh samples, and have aided in selection of ~5000-6000 high-genetic-merit animals for breed enhancement under NDP-1 & RGM.
- Support to Breeding herds: Semen stations and bull-mother farms availed accurate, regular and periodic disease screening aiding establishment and maintenance of disease-free breeding herds.
- Knowledge transfer: The diagnostic systems and protocols for disease testing of MSP diseases have been transferred to NDDB CALF Ltd.
