Breakthrough Patent: IVRI’s Indigenous JEV ELISA Kit Shields Swine from Japanese Encephalitis!

zatnagar, February 20, 2026 – In a major win for veterinary public health, the Veterinary Public Health (VPH) Division at ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) has secured a groundbreaking patent for the ’Recombinant NS1 protein based indirect IgG ELISA for sero-surveillance of Japanese Encephalitis, and Kit thereof’.

This pioneering invention marks India’s first homegrown ELISA kit tailored for serodiagnosis of Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) in swine, pivotal amplifiers in the zoonotic transmission chain to humans via mosquitoes. Led by Dr. Himani Dhanze, the team includes co-inventors Dr. Shriya Rawat, Dr. Chethan Kumar HB, Dr. KN Bhilegaonkar, and Dr. Ashok Kumar – all esteemed members of the Indian Association of Veterinary Public Health Specialists (IAVPHS).

The kit leverages recombinant NS1 protein for precise IgG antibody detection, enabling efficient surveillance and control of JEV outbreaks in pig populations. Japanese Encephalitis remains a seasonal threat in Asia, causing severe encephalitis with high mortality; this tool bolsters early detection and prevention efforts.

IAVPHS celebrates this achievement as a testament to its members’ innovation in zoonoses and food safety, aligning with the association’s mission since 1998. Dr. Dhanze’s prior work on JE kits underscores IVRI’s leadership in diagnostics. The patent paves the way for scalable production under ’Make in India’.