Lumpy Skin Disease Reappears in 28 Indian States Prompting Nationwide Veterinary Alert

Lumpy Skin Disease has re‑appeared after a four‑year absence, with official reports confirming its presence in 28 Indian states spanning the north, central and southern regions. The viral infection targets cattle, causing fever, skin lesions and reduced milk yield, raising concerns for the livestock industry.

Veterinary authorities from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare have issued nationwide alerts, advising farmers to isolate sick animals, report cases to district veterinary officers, and adopt strict biosecurity practices such as disinfecting equipment and controlling animal movement between farms and markets.

The government is preparing a large‑scale response that includes emergency funding for diagnostic laboratories, deployment of field surveillance teams, and a targeted vaccination campaign in high‑risk districts, aiming to curb the outbreak and protect the estimated 30 million cattle at risk and to safeguard rural livelihoods dependent on dairy production.