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Lumpy Skin Disease in India: 36.18 Crore Cattle Vaccinated, 3,461 Active Cases
Summary: Centre intensifies vaccination, surveillance and disease-control measures as LSD situation remains under control
NEW DELHI, September 8, 2026: India has significantly strengthened its efforts to prevent and control Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) among cattle and buffaloes, with more than 36.18 crore cattle vaccinated or re-vaccinated so far.
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) is continuing close coordination with States and Union Territories to monitor the disease, expand vaccination coverage and ensure timely implementation of preventive and control measures.
The latest government assessment says the Lumpy Skin Disease situation in India is presently under control, with a substantial decline in the severity of infection and mortality.
There are currently 3,461 active cases, with most cases reported among young and unvaccinated animals and animals with co-morbidities.
India Vaccinates Over 36 Crore Cattle Against LSD
The scale of India's vaccination programme is one of the key developments in the latest LSD situation.
According to the Department, more than 36.18 crore cattle have been vaccinated or re-vaccinated against Lumpy Skin Disease.
Vaccination efforts are continuing in affected States and UTs, while preventive measures are also being maintained in areas where the disease has not been reported.
The Centre has specifically advised States to ensure timely vaccination of heifers and young cattle, which are particularly important in the current disease-control strategy.
What Is Lumpy Skin Disease?
Lumpy Skin Disease, commonly known as LSD, is a viral disease that primarily affects cattle and buffaloes.
The disease is caused by the Capripox virus and is mainly transmitted through arthropod vectors.
Common characteristics of LSD include:
- Fever
- Skin nodules or lumps
- Weakness and reduced health
- Reduced productivity in affected animals
The disease is generally associated with low mortality, although its impact can vary depending on the health and condition of individual animals.
India first reported Lumpy Skin Disease in West Bengal and Odisha in September 2019.
Sporadic LSD Cases Reported Since July
The Department said sporadic cases have been reported since July 2026, mainly from:
- Uttar Pradesh
- Rajasthan
- Himachal Pradesh
- Haryana
- Punjab
- Uttarakhand
- A few other States
The latest assessment indicates that the disease has shown very low severity, with affected animals generally recovering within around a week.
However, continued vaccination and surveillance remain important to prevent the disease from spreading further.
Centre Directs States to Strengthen Disease Control
During recent reviews, the Centre advised States and UTs to follow a combination of vaccination, surveillance and biosecurity measures.
These include ring vaccination around affected areas, movement control and isolation of infected animals.
Authorities have also been advised to focus on:
- Vaccination: Ensure timely vaccination, particularly among heifers and young cattle.
- Isolation: Separate affected animals to reduce the possibility of disease transmission.
- Vector control: Take measures to control arthropod vectors that can spread the virus.
- Sanitation: Maintain proper hygiene, disinfection and sanitary conditions around livestock facilities.
- Movement control: Restrict unnecessary movement of affected animals.
- Quarantine: Newly introduced animals should be quarantined as a precaution.
- Stray animal management: States have also been advised to strengthen management of stray animals.
- Reporting: Disease incidents should be reported promptly and transparently through official channels.
Central Expert Team Assesses Uttar Pradesh Situation
The Centre has also taken field-level action to assess the situation in affected areas.
A Central Expert Team was deputed to Uttar Pradesh in August 2026 to assess the disease situation, review measures being implemented by the State and provide technical guidance for preparedness and response.
The Department continues to monitor the situation across States and UTs.
Review meetings were held with States and UTs on August 27 and September 7, 2026, to assess developments and strengthen preparedness.
LSD Testing and Veterinary Laboratory Network Strengthened
Alongside vaccination, the government is strengthening the country's ability to detect and diagnose LSD.
Diagnostic and testing capacity has been expanded with technical support from ICAR-NIHSAD, Bhopal, along with a network of veterinary laboratories.
This network includes:
- Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratories (RDDLs)
- Central Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (CDDL)
- Other supporting veterinary diagnostic facilities
Improved laboratory capacity can help veterinary authorities identify cases and respond more effectively when disease incidents are reported.
Financial Assistance Provided to States
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is also providing financial assistance to States and UTs to strengthen LSD prevention and control.
The support covers areas such as:
- Vaccination
- Veterinary training
- Public awareness
- Laboratory infrastructure
- Veterinary workforce capacity building
The objective is to strengthen both field-level preparedness and long-term veterinary disease-control capacity.
Why Vaccination Remains Important
Although the government says the current LSD situation is under control, continued vaccination and surveillance remain important.
The latest active cases are mainly associated with young and unvaccinated animals, highlighting the importance of maintaining vaccination coverage.
For livestock owners, following veterinary advice, reporting suspected cases, isolating affected animals and maintaining proper hygiene can contribute to effective disease control.
Government Continues Nationwide Monitoring
The Centre has made clear that the response is not limited to areas where cases have already been detected.
Preventive measures are continuing in non-affected States and UTs, while affected regions are receiving additional vaccination, technical and veterinary support.
The Department said it will continue to provide:
- Technical guidance
- Vaccination support
- Diagnostic assistance
- Laboratory support
- Financial assistance
- Veterinary capacity-building support
The overall aim is to ensure early detection, rapid response and effective containment of Lumpy Skin Disease across the country.
Lumpy Skin Disease FAQs
1. What is Lumpy Skin Disease?
👉 Lumpy Skin Disease is a viral disease that mainly affects cattle and buffaloes. It is caused by the Capripox virus and is primarily spread through arthropod vectors.
2. How many active LSD cases are there in India?
👉 According to the latest government update, India currently has 3,461 active LSD cases.
3. How many cattle have been vaccinated against LSD?
👉 More than 36.18 crore cattle have been vaccinated or re-vaccinated against Lumpy Skin Disease.
4. Is Lumpy Skin Disease under control in India?
👉 Yes. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has stated that the LSD situation is presently under control, with infection severity and mortality showing a substantial decline.
5. Which animals are currently most affected?
👉 The latest active cases are mainly among young and unvaccinated animals, as well as animals with co-morbidities.
6. Which Indian states have recently reported LSD cases?
👉 Since July 2026, sporadic cases have mainly been reported from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab and Uttarakhand, along with a few other states.
7. How does LSD spread?
👉 LSD is mainly transmitted through arthropod vectors. Vector control, animal isolation, sanitation and movement control are therefore important preventive measures.
8. What should livestock owners do if they suspect LSD?
👉 Affected or suspected animals should be isolated and the case should be reported promptly to the appropriate veterinary authorities. Livestock owners should also follow local veterinary guidance on vaccination, treatment, sanitation and movement restrictions.
9. When was LSD first reported in India?
👉 Lumpy Skin Disease was first reported in India in September 2019, in West Bengal and Odisha.
10. Is vaccination against LSD continuing?
👉 Yes. Vaccination and re-vaccination programmes are continuing in affected areas, along with preventive vaccination measures in non-affected areas.
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