My name is B.P.Sreenivasa from Indian veterinary Research Institute, currently working on Foot-and-mouth disease. I would like to express my view in this e-conference as a past PPR researcher. My experience is limited to contribution in development and evaluation of live-attenuated PPR vaccine Sungri/96 and PPR diagnostics as mentioned by Dr.R.P.Singh in one of the posts.
In India, PPR started spreading throughout the country around year 1994, when the RP incidence was in the decline. Around this time National Rinderpest Eradication Programme was also launched. Our research leadership foresaw PPR scourge and the Scientists were encouraged to develop indigenous vaccine and diagnostics for PPR. The vaccine and diagnostics were developed 12 years ago. The technology for vaccine production was transferred to several commercial manufacturers and State Veterinary Biological Products Institutes. The availability of the vaccine and diagnostics and the experience learnt from RP eradication gave the confidence to launch PPR control programme in India during August 2010. There is a strong political will and economic input to succeed in this programme. What is required is proper planning and implementation in repeating RP success story. Hope the discussions initiated by FAO will contribute immensely in learning & our resolve to eradicate PPR.
Hoping to see more contribution from India regarding the latest update on the PPR control programme and the disease status which will benefit the world PPR community.
Regards
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Dr.B.P.Sreenivasa Principal Scientist Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) Hebbal, Bangalore-560024 India