Indian Immunologicals Limited and ICAR-CIFA partner to develop fish vaccine against Hemorrhagic Septicemia

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Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) has announced a partnership with the Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA) for the commercial development of a vaccine against Hemorrhagic Septicemia, also known as Aeromonas Septicemia, Ulcer Disease, or Red-Sore Disease, in freshwater fish. The disease is caused by the opportunistic pathogenic bacterium Aeromonas hydrophila and is a significant economic problem in Indian aquaculture. All of the cultured freshwater fish species in India are susceptible to this disease.

IIL ventured into the aqua business in October 2022 by launching products for the aquaculture health market dealing with pond management and fish or shrimp gut management. The company subsequently announced the commercial development of fish vaccines with ICAR-CIFA. Aquaculture plays a vital role in India’s economy, with the fisheries sector providing a livelihood for approximately 28 million people. India is the world’s third-largest fish producer, with more than 65% of its fish produced through inland fisheries and aquaculture.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. K Anand Kumar, Managing Director of Indian Immunologicals Limited, said, “IIL is the first in India to get into fish vaccines. We are aware of the challenges associated with being the first, having been in similar situations for many other livestock vaccines. We are working on multiple fronts in defining pathways for the commercial development of fish vaccines in India.” Dr. Priyabrata Pattnaik, Deputy Managing Director of Indian Immunologicals Limited, added, “IIL is committed to developing vaccines for the fisheries sector with a long-term strategic objective of reducing the use of antibiotics, thereby reducing antimicrobial resistance in the environment, as part of the ‘One Health’ initiative.”

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