Review of Advancements in India's Animal Health Sector: Discussion of Crucial Reforms, Vaccination Achievements, and Global Acknowledgment at the 9th Expert Committee on Animal Health Meeting
In a significant stride towards controlling animal diseases, India has made substantial progress in managing Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and has taken steps to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Updates:
India has seen considerable success under the National Disease Control Programs targeting FMD, alongside other diseases like Brucellosis and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR). The country continues its preventive measures with the 6th round of preventive vaccination against FMD, demonstrating sustained nationwide immunization efforts.
Recently, an outbreak of FMD was confirmed in spotted deer at Pune's Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, resulting in the deaths of 16 animals. The situation was promptly controlled with the involvement of government veterinary institutions and experts through sample collection, post-mortem examinations, and implementation of epidemic control measures such as installation of nets over enclosures and animal inspections in surrounding areas.
Research advances highlight challenges in FMD control due to the virus’s high genetic variability, causing vaccine escape variants. Ongoing efforts focus on improving surveillance, vaccination strategies, and antiviral approaches within a global control pathway framework.
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR):
While specific updates on antimicrobial resistance are not detailed, the Empowered Committee for Animal Health (ECAH) — which provides strategic guidance on animal health including One Health initiatives — implies that AMR issues are integrated within broader policy frameworks.
Establishment of FMD-Free Zones:
Although no new FMD-Free Zones have been explicitly declared, the establishment of high biosecurity compartments and laboratories indicates strengthened capacity for future zoning and certification. Parallel international recognitions, such as India’s first Equine Disease-Free Compartment (EDFC) endorsed by WOAH, and designation of specialized high-security animal disease laboratories, support this development.
Summary:
India is actively managing FMD through vaccination, outbreak containment, and research into virus variability, with governance support from the Empowered Committee for Animal Health. Although explicit new FMD-Free Zones are not reported, the establishment of high biosecurity compartments and laboratories indicates strengthened capacity for future zoning and certification. Antimicrobial resistance is handled within comprehensive animal health policies, with limited current public specifics.
Additional recognitions include laboratories in Hisar and Lucknow receiving international recognition for their specialized diagnostic capabilities.
[1] Empowered Committee for Animal Health (ECAH) Meeting Minutes, July 24, 2025 [2] Indian Veterinary Research Institute Press Release, July 2025 [3] Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Press Release, July 2025 [4] Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Press Release, June 2025 [5] Indian Council of Medical Research Press Release, May 2025
- In light of the advancements in FMD management, the Empowered Committee for Animal Health (ECAH) may have revisited strategies to promote science-based health-and-wellness practices for livestock, given the importance of holistic animal health for human health.
- As India moves forward with its FMD-Free Zones initative, it could also explore collaborations with health-and-wellness companies to ensure the delivery of high-quality feed and preventive healthcare, given the potential synergy between animal husbandry and industry partnerships aimed at health improvement.
