The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Government of India, has taken proactive measures to strengthen the prevention, surveillance and control of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in the country. The Department is closely coordinating with States/UTs to assess the disease situation and ensure timely implementation of vaccination and other disease-control measures.

During the recent review, States/UTs were advised to ensure timely vaccination, particularly of heifers and young cattle, along with ring vaccination, movement control, isolation of affected animals, vector control, disinfection and sanitary measures, management of stray animals, treatment of affected animals and quarantine of newly introduced animals. States were also advised to ensure timely and transparent reporting of disease incidents through official channels.

A Central Expert Team was deputed to Uttar Pradesh in August 2026 to assess the disease situation on the ground, monitor the measures being undertaken by the State and provide technical guidance for preparedness and response. The Department has also been maintaining close monitoring of the disease situation across States/UTs. Review meetings with States/UTs were held on 27th August 2026 and 7th September 2026 to review the situation and strengthen preparedness and response measures.

Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is a viral disease affecting cattle and buffaloes, caused by the Capripox virus and transmitted mainly through arthropod vectors. The disease is characterised by fever and skin nodules and is generally associated with low mortality. In India, LSD was first reported in West Bengal and Odisha in September 2019.

Since July 2026, sporadic cases of LSD have been reported mainly from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Uttarakhand and a few other States, particularly among young animals and calves. The disease has shown very low severity, and affected animals are generally recovering within a week.

The Department has been providing technical advisories and guidelines to States/UTs on vaccination, treatment, biosecurity and disease-control measures. Diagnostic and testing capacity for LSD has also been strengthened across the country with technical support from ICAR-NIHSAD, Bhopal, and a network of laboratories, including Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratories (RDDLs) and the Central Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (CDDL).

To further strengthen national capacity for the prevention and control of LSD, the Department has provided financial assistance to States/UTs for vaccination, training and awareness generation, besides strengthening veterinary laboratory infrastructure and capacity building of the veterinary workforce.

More than 36.18 crore cattle have been vaccinated/re-vaccinated against LSD so far. Vaccination and other disease-control measures are continuing across affected States/UTs, along with preventive measures in non-affected States/UTs.

 

The LSD situation in the country is presently under control, with a substantial decline in the severity of infection and mortality. At present, there are 3,461 active cases, mainly among young and unvaccinated animals and animals with co-morbidities.

The Department continues to closely monitor the situation and provide necessary technical guidance, vaccination support, diagnostic and laboratory support, and financial assistance to States/UTs for effective control and containment of the disease.

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