Question : POLIO ANTIBODIES IN GOATS

(a) whether the Government are aware that scientists of National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) have detected antibodies of polio in goats;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether subsequent analysis by the Enteroviruses Research Centre in Mumbai showed that a mutated form of the strain that is currently being used in vaccine strain has reverted to wild type;

(d) if so, whether it necessitates a review of polio eradication strategy by the Government; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SMT. SUSHMA SWARAJ)

(a) & (b) The Government is aware of the detection of Polio like antibodies by the scientists of National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) in goats and not of any Polio antibody.

(c) The Enterovirus Research Centre, Mumbai had analyzed the stool samples of human cases and these results have confirmed the presence of the vaccine strain of polio virus and not of the wild type or of any mutated form.

(d) Experts have been consulted on the subject who have specifically advised that there is no need or necessity to review the present Polio Eradication Strategy.

(e) Does not arise.