The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Government of India, has implemented comprehensive measures to control Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in cattle and buffaloes across the country. The viral disease, caused by Capripox virus and transmitted through arthropod vectors, is characterized by fever and skin nodules with generally low mortality rates.
As of the latest reporting, there are 3,461 active LSD cases nationwide, primarily affecting young and unvaccinated animals and those with co-morbidities. The disease situation is currently under control with substantial decline in infection severity and mortality. Since July 2026, sporadic cases have been reported mainly from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Uttarakhand, particularly among young animals and calves, with affected animals typically recovering within a week.
The vaccination program has achieved significant scale with more than 36.18 crore cattle vaccinated or re-vaccinated against LSD to date. Control measures include ring vaccination focusing on heifers and young cattle, movement restrictions, isolation of affected animals, vector control, disinfection, sanitary measures, stray animal management, treatment of infected animals, and quarantine of newly introduced animals.
The Department has deployed a Central Expert Team to Uttar Pradesh in August 2026 for ground assessment and technical guidance. Regular review meetings with States/UTs were conducted on August 27, 2026, and September 7, 2026, to strengthen preparedness and response measures. Diagnostic capacity has been enhanced through technical support from ICAR-NIHSAD, Bhopal, and a network of laboratories including Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratories and the Central Disease Diagnostic Laboratory.
Financial assistance has been provided to States/UTs for vaccination programs, training and awareness generation, veterinary laboratory infrastructure strengthening, and capacity building of veterinary workforce. The Department continues close monitoring of the situation and provides ongoing technical guidance, vaccination support, and laboratory assistance to ensure effective disease containment.