The government showcased India’s advancements in establishing a strong, technology-focused animal health system within the One Health framework. Emphasizing the shift from disease control to eradication, a particular focus was placed on Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR). Naresh Pal Gangwar, Secretary of DAHD, highlighted enhancements in vaccination delivery and verification using digital platforms like NDLM and Bharat Pashudhan during the 10th Empowered Committee for Animal Health (ECAH) meeting.
Dr. Naveena B. Maheswarappa, Animal Husbandry Commissioner, presented the Department’s notable accomplishments and future strategies at the meeting. The committee assessed advancements in vaccination initiatives, regulatory enhancements, laboratory reinforcement, and surveillance systems. Notably, over 133 crore vaccinations have been administered against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) since 2020, resulting in a considerable decrease in disease prevalence and outbreaks.
Progress in disease control efforts, including a substantial reduction in Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) outbreaks from 98 in 2019 to 29 in 2025, was discussed. The reinforcement of laboratory infrastructure, especially Central and Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratories, to bolster disease surveillance and diagnostics under the Pandemic Fund project, was highlighted. Regulatory reforms expediting approvals for veterinary drugs and vaccines, integration with the NANDI-SUGAM portal, and the development of a national framework for animal feed regulation were commended by the Committee.
The Department’s initiatives to enhance biosecure production systems in the poultry sector through WOAH-compliant compartmentalization for increased export potential were underscored. Key priorities identified included preparedness for exotic FMD strains and African Swine Fever, mapping veterinary infrastructure on the NDLM portal to identify crucial gaps, and conducting a national mock drill on animal disease preparedness.
