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India Builds Tech-Driven Animal Health System, Cuts Disease Outbreaks

The Indian government has highlighted significant progress in building a technology-driven animal health ecosystem. Key achievements include the administration of over 133 crore FMD vaccinations since 2020 and a sharp decline in PPR outbreaks. Digital platforms like NDLM and Bharat Pashudhan are enhancing vaccination delivery and transparency. The focus is now shifting from disease control to eradication, alongside strengthening labs and regulatory frameworks.

Key Points: India's Tech Animal Health Ecosystem Cuts FMD, PPR Outbreaks

  • 133 crore FMD vaccinations since 2020
  • PPR outbreaks fell from 98 to 29
  • Digital platforms boost vaccine transparency
  • Regulatory reforms speed drug approvals
2 min read

India building robust, technology-driven animal health ecosystem

India reduces FMD & PPR outbreaks via 133 crore vaccinations, digital platforms, and lab strengthening under its One Health framework.

"Strengthening of laboratory infrastructure... to support disease surveillance and diagnostics under the Pandemic Fund project was also highlighted - Official Statement"

New Delhi, April 17

The government on Friday highlighted India's progress in building a robust, technology-driven animal health ecosystem under the One Health framework.

The government emphasised the need to move from disease control to eradication, particularly for Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR).

During the 10th meeting of the Empowered Committee for Animal Health (ECAH), Naresh Pal Gangwar, Secretary, DAHD, underscored improvements in vaccination delivery and verification through digital platforms such as NDLM and Bharat Pashudhan, enhancing transparency and accountability.

At the meeting, Dr Naveena B. Maheswarappa, Animal Husbandry Commissioner, delivered a detailed presentation highlighting the Department's key achievements and the way forward.

The committee reviewed progress across vaccination programmes, regulatory reforms, laboratory strengthening and surveillance systems.

The members were also briefed on the progress in disease control programmes, including administration of over 133 crore vaccinations against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) since 2020, leading to a significant reduction in disease prevalence and outbreaks.

Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) outbreaks have declined from 98 in 2019 to 29 in 2025 due to sustained nationwide vaccination efforts.

"Strengthening of laboratory infrastructure, including Central and Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratories, to support disease surveillance and diagnostics under the Pandemic Fund project was also highlighted," according to an official statement.

On regulatory reforms, the Committee welcomed measures to expedite approvals for veterinary drugs and vaccines through process reforms and integration with the NANDI-SUGAM portal, resulting in significant reduction in processing timelines.

It also noted that the Department is working towards development of a national framework for animal feed regulation to address existing legislative gaps. The Committee further emphasised the need to expand WOAH-compliant compartmentalisation in the poultry sector to strengthen biosecure production systems and enhance export potential.

The committee emphasised key priorities including preparedness for exotic FMD strains and African Swine Fever, mapping of veterinary infrastructure on the NDLM portal to identify critical gaps, and conduct of a national mock drill on animal disease preparedness.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Excellent news! Reducing PPR outbreaks from 98 to 29 is a massive achievement for our goat and sheep rearers, many of whom are small marginal farmers. Protecting their livestock is protecting their livelihood. The focus on feed regulation is also long overdue.
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David E
The One Health approach is crucial. Animal health directly impacts human health and food security. Strengthening labs and surveillance is an investment in preventing the next pandemic. Hope the momentum is maintained.
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Anjali F
While the digital push is good, I hope the ground reality matches the report. In our village, the vet is still overburdened and under-equipped. The infrastructure mapping must lead to actual filling of these "critical gaps" on priority.
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Karthik V
Faster approvals for veterinary drugs via NANDI-SUGAM is a big relief for the industry. Delays cost money and animal lives. The focus on export potential through biosecure compartments can really boost the poultry sector's income. A pragmatic move.
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Sneha F
133 crore vaccinations! That's an astounding number. It shows the scale of our livestock population and the effort required to protect it. Preparing for exotic strains and conducting mock drills shows we are learning from past global health crises. Good forward thinking.

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