ICMR Commences Process Of Vaccine Development To Combat Avian Influenza

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has begun the process of development of a vaccine against the deadly and highly-pathogenic H5N1 virus, also called avian influenza.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has begun the process of development of a vaccine against the deadly and highly-pathogenic H5N1 virus, also called avian influenza. ICMR will develop an ingenious human vaccine candidate and has extended invitations to expressions of interest from companies, manufacturers and organisations that have potential eligibility. The aim is to form a joint collaboration with them to develop a human vaccine candidate against avian influenza.

The avian influenza is a deadly virus which poses as a significant threat to public health in India as well as globally. It is a highly pathogenic strain which impacts both humans and animals. The US had recently reported the death of two persons due to the H5N1 virus. It also poses multiple risks to animal health. Several states in India have reported outbreaks in 2021, 2023 and 2024 and it has impacted affecting poultry and wild birds, according to the expression of interest document. These outbreaks have caused significant economic losses in the poultry industry and raised public health concerns due to the virus's zoonotic potential.

According to the document, the H5N1 virus poses a grave threat to public health because it has a very high mortality rate. It has the potential to cause a global pandemic if it mutates to allow sustained human-to-human transmission. The risk of animal-to-human and human-to-human transmission is currently low but it is not impossible, as per experts. Human cases have come to light in recent times, but they have been sporadic on a global scale. However, the document brings to light an important point, the virus is capable of infecting humans with severe consequences. The H5N1 infection in humans has a high case fatality rate, exceeding 50 per cent.

The document also stated that while human cases are uncommon and usually occur through direct contact with infected birds, the seriousness of the illness highlights the importance of remaining vigilant.