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Vaccine Development Group employs microbiology, molecular biology and diagnostics tools for the isolation, identification and molecular characterization of important pathogens of livestock and poultry. Main focus and research objectives are:

• Isolation and identification of pathogens from livestock and poultry

• Molecular characterization of local viral and bacterial isolates

• Development of veterinary vaccines for local animal population

• Cloning and characterization of viral genes for diagnosis and control of animal diseases

A vibrant team of scientists, scientific staff, researchers, MPhil and PhD scholars are actively working and consistently pursuing these research endeavors. Four research labs are working for achieving the research goals of this group which includes.

Ongoing Research Activities

Molecular Microbiology Laboratories offers commercial services for PCR and ELISA based identification of Veterinary Pathogens. Analytical services are being provided to the livestock farmers for disease diagnostics. Moreover, this lab also conducts surveillance studies of different important zoonotic diseases from time to time.

• Molecular Microbiology lab has the facility for microbiological tests, ELISA and PCR, while real time PCR based quantitative test is being established for different important animal diseases

• Up-gradation of the facility for ISO-17025 accreditation is underway

• Qualitative PCR and ELISA based diagnostic services to public and private sectors in the country, mainly to livestock farmers

• Microbiological analysis of food, feed and water samples are offered to public and private sectors, mainly to exporters and traders. Hence helping the compliance to international trade requirements

• Development of cost-effective diagnostic tests for important animal diseases

Cell Culture Laboratory is successfully executing research projects on development of diagnostics and vaccines for Peste-des-Petitis Rumnants Virus, Lumpy Skin Disease and Foot and Mouth Disease etc. In cell culture lab, animal cells (Vero) are cultured in optimal conditions, including temperature, pH, and carbon dioxide to oxygen ratio. Nutrients and growth factors are provided in the culture medium.

• Cell culture enables researchers/ scientists to multiply specific cells to obtain cellular products such as viral proteins and live attenuated vaccines.

• Development and lab scale production of cell culture based viral vaccines for animal trials

• In addition, cell culture lab is also used as testing or investigative platform. For example, the in vitro evaluation of candidate vaccine is performed in the relevant cell culture before animal studies and experimental field trials.

ZODIAC National Laboratory Zoonotic Disease Integrated Action (ZODIAC) is an initiative for early detection and prevention of zoonotic outbreaks. This lab has been designated as ZODIAC National Laboratory for Pakistan by IAEA during 2023 to strengthen the preparedness and capabilities of the country to respond the threats of zoonotic diseases, such as the COVID-19 disease.

• ZODIAC Lab supports the early detection, prevention and control of outbreaks of zoonotic diseases.

• Develop Novel technologies for detection and monitoring of diseases

• Provide coordinated response for zoonotic diseases through the network of regional laboratories

• Understanding the impact of zoonotic diseases

Research Achievements

• Developed an oil based vaccine against Hemorrhagic septicemia (NIAB HS Vaccine)

• Laboratory scale production of NIAB HS Vaccine and provision to Provincial Dairy Development Departments of Punjab and Sindh Government and Livestock farmers during different vaccination campaigns

• Developed an ELISA assay to differentiate infected and vaccinated animals using viral non-structural protein against Foot and Mouth Disease Virus

• Developed a vaccine formulation against Peste-des-Petitis Virus for ocular application

• Established disease diagnostic laboratory having ELISA, PCR and qPCR facilities for important diseases of livestock.

• Establishment of a DRAP approved commercial vaccine production facility (NIAB Vaccine Center) in progress

Future Directions

• Lab scale production and provision of quality vaccines to livestock farmers

• Development of Irradiated vaccines against important bacterial and viral diseases

• Development of vaccines against local animal pathogens for disease control

Funded Projects

• IAEA CRP 24026: “Development of novel vaccine formulations against Peste-des-Petits Ruminants Virus for mucosal application” 2020 to 2025 (Funding, 40,000 €)

• IAEA RAS 5100: “Strengthening regional and national surveillance capacity and capability through nuclear and molecular techniques for priority animal and zoonotic diseases and potential vectors-borne diseases” 2024 to 2027 (Funds are in Kind e.g. Trainings, Chemicals, Reagents, Supplies)

• PAEC-F: “Establishment of NIAB Vaccine center for HS Vaccine” 2021-2025 (PKR 110 Million)

Collaborations

• International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

• National Agricultural Research Council (NARC), Islamabad

• University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), Lahore

• Veterinary Research Institute (VRI), Lahore

• Veterinary Research Institute (VRI), Peshawar

• Livestock & Dairy Development Department, Government of Punjab

• Livestock & Fisheries Department, Government of Sindh

• Center of Advanced Studies in Vaccinology and Biotechnology, Quetta, Baluchistan

Click on following link for detailed Brochure;

NIAB HS Vaccine