DAHD Strengthens Lumpy Skin Disease Control Measures
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 September 2026, more than 36.18 crore cattle have been vaccinated or re-vaccinated against LSD through ongoing vaccination programs. The current active case count stands at 3,461, primarily affecting young animals, unvaccinated cattle, and animals with co-morbidities. The disease situation shows substantial decline in severity and mortality, with affected animals typically recovering within one week.
The disease has been reported sporadically since July 2026, mainly in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Uttarakhand. LSD was first reported in India in September 2019 in West Bengal and Odisha.
DAHD has provided financial assistance to States/UTs for vaccination programs, training, awareness generation, and strengthening veterinary laboratory infrastructure. The department maintains close coordination with states, advising on timely vaccination of heifers and young cattle, ring vaccination, movement control, isolation of affected animals, vector control, disinfection measures, stray animal management, treatment protocols, and quarantine procedures for newly introduced animals.
Technical support includes diagnostic capacity strengthening through ICAR-NIHSAD Bhopal, Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratories (RDDLs), and the Central Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (CDDL). A Central Expert Team was deputed to Uttar Pradesh in August 2026 to assess ground situation and provide technical guidance. Review meetings were conducted on August 27, 2026, and September 7, 2026, to monitor the situation and strengthen response measures.
The department emphasizes timely and transparent reporting of disease incidents through official channels while continuing to provide necessary technical guidance, vaccination support, and laboratory assistance to ensure effective disease containment.